R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

The NRL's administration has stated that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the potential rugby union bans were announced earlier, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.