R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams located in major cities worldwide.

The Samoan the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of union countries, including Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

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

After the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.