R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

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

Several leading rugby union teams, including Australia, recently declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were revealed recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.