R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Top rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

A group of union countries, including Australia, recently declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the possible rugby union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.