R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

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

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

Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has said he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major union teams, including Australia, recently announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.