R360 Competition Athletes Subject to 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has stated that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.

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

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of players. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the possible union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.