R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of union countries, among them Australia, last week declared a restriction on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

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

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.