R360 Players Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

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