R360 Recruits Face 10-Season Suspension from NRL

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

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.