R360 Competition Athletes Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union teams, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.