R360 Competition Players Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has said he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.