R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.