R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union bans were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.