R360 Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from NRL

The NRL's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, recently imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

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

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the possible rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.