R360 League Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has declared that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

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

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

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.