R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of union teams, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the efforts of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The league is established by retired international Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union bans were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.