R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the potential union bans were revealed last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and we will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.