R360 Recruits Hit With 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of union teams, among them Australia, recently announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

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

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.