R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Leading NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.