R360 League Players Subject to 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in major cities around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a restriction on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The league is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.