R360 League Recruits Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, including Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the potential union bans were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.