R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has declared that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top NRL players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were revealed last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.