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

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were revealed last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.