R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has stated that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

A group of union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.