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

Rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of talent. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the potential rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting next year.