R360 Players Face 10-Season Suspension from NRL

The NRL's administration has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

The Samoan the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.

A group of union teams, such as Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.