R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's teams and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the prospective union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.