R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who join the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, recently declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

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

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.