R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has declared that players who join the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.