R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Season Suspension from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of talent. They only leverage the efforts of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.