R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Rugby league's authority has stated that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for a decade.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible union bans were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.