R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from NRL

The NRL's authority has announced that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Top National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the potential union prohibitions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.