R360 League Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's sides located in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the potential rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.