R360 Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan the player, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of union nations, including Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.