R360 League Players Face 10-Year Suspension from NRL

The NRL's governing body has stated that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

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

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.