R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and women's teams located in major cities globally.

Samoa's the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the potential union bans were revealed last week, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its board session next year.