R360 Recruits Face 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the prospective rugby union bans were declared last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.