R360 League Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the player, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the potential union sanctions were announced last week, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.