R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.