R360 League Players Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's sides and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, last week imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were announced recently, it said: “We want to work in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

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

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.