R360 Competition Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Ban from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, last week announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the prospective union prohibitions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.