R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Year Suspension from NRL

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chief the official.

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

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the efforts of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.