R360 Recruits Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, recently declared a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC head the official.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.