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

Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential union bans were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.