R360 League Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has stated that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chief the official.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.