R360 Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's authority has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.