R360 Athletes Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

The Samoan the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.