R360 Competition Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

The Samoan the player, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

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