R360 Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major union countries, including Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.