R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, recently imposed a ban on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC head the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.