R360 League Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

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

R360, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, recently announced a restriction on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible union sanctions were declared earlier, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.