R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

A group of union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.