R360 League Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Leading NRL stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the possible rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.