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

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Following the possible union sanctions were declared last week, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.