R360 Players Subject to 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

Samoa's the player, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the possible rugby union bans were revealed recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.