R360 Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

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

A group of union nations, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.