R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has stated that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.