R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

The NRL's authority has declared that players who join the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

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

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.