R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.