R360 Athletes Face 10-Season Suspension from NRL

The NRL's administration has stated that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the prospective union prohibitions were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting next year.