R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Leading rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's chairman the official.

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

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the prospective union bans were revealed earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.