R360 League Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

The NRL's administration has declared that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature multiple men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the possible union bans were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.