R360 League Players Subject to 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's authority has announced that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently declared a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of players. They only leverage the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.