R360 Competition Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

The NRL's governing body has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, recently declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were revealed last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.