R360 Competition Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

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

R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a ban on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the possible union prohibitions were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will permit participants for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.