R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Season Suspension from NRL

The NRL's authority has stated that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include multiple men's teams and four women's sides operating from key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible union prohibitions were revealed last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.