R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the league, has said he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Eight major union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC head the official.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were announced last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.