R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the possible union prohibitions were revealed recently, it commented: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.