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

The NRL's governing body has stated that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's teams and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.