🔗 Share this article R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League The athlete earned 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before transferring representation to Samoa. The NRL's authority has stated that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons. The new league, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar. Top rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas globally. The Samoan the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360. Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360. Several leading union nations, including Australia, last week imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches. “We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC head the official. “Sadly, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain. “They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally. “They are, in reality, copying the game.” The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by independent financiers. Subsequent to the potential union bans were revealed last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list. “The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their contracts.” The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.