R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

The NRL's governing body has announced that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Leading rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a ban on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.