R360 Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the prospective union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.