R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has stated that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Top NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Eight major rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

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

Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.