R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has stated that players who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union bans were declared last week, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.