R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the potential union prohibitions were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.