R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's sides operating from key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the prospective union bans were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.