R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of union nations, including Australia, recently announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

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

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

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

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were declared last week, it said: “We want to work in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and we will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its board session next year.