R360 League Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that players who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Eight major union nations, including Australia, earlier declared a restriction on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

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