R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include multiple men's teams and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, recently declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

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

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

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.