R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents his NRL club in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's head the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union sanctions were announced recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.