R360 Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that players who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, last week declared a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the prospective union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.