R360 League Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the prospective rugby union sanctions were revealed last week, it said: “We want to work together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

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

The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.