R360 League Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's authority has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, earlier declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union sanctions were announced recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.