R360 Recruits Face 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that players who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, recently declared a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

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

“Unfortunately, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

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

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.