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

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

A group of union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were announced recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.