R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Following the possible union sanctions were announced recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.