R360 Players Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

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

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of union teams, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of talent. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.