R360 League Athletes Hit With 10-Season Ban from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include multiple men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.