R360 League Athletes Face 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the efforts of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.