R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

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

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a restriction on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the potential union sanctions were announced recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.