R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's authority has announced that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

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

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