R360 Competition Players Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who join the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading union nations, among them Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's chief the official.

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

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were announced last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.