R360 Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

A group of union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a ban on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

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

The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the prospective union bans were revealed earlier, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.