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

Rugby league's administration has declared that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, earlier declared a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the possible union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.