R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's teams and women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC head the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of players. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were announced last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.