R360 Competition Players Face 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's authority has stated that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the player, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief the official.

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

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

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

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were declared earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.