R360 Competition Players Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has declared that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.

Top rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week imposed a ban on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were revealed recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.