R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

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

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

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union bans were announced earlier, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.