R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.

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

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of talent. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is established by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.