R360 Competition Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that players who join the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams operating from major cities globally.

The Samoan the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.