R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Season Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's governing body has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a ban on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.