R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier imposed a ban on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

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

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.