R360 Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.