R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, recently announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing test matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible union prohibitions were revealed recently, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.