R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

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

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.