R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a restriction on players joining R360 playing international matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the potential union sanctions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.