R360 Players Subject to 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

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

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering next year.