R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Top NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the possible union sanctions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its board session next year.