R360 Competition Athletes Subject to 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were declared earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively 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 deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.