R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's the player, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union countries, such as Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.