R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.