R360 League Players Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has stated that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of union nations, including Australia, last week announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

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

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the prospective rugby union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.