R360 League Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Top rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major union teams, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the prospective rugby union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.