R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.