R360 League Recruits Subject to 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

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

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the possible union bans were declared recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.