R360 League Players Face 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

A group of rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

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

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

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

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.