R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Ban from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from major cities worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.