R360 Players Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Top NRL stars 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 around the world.

Samoa's the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by private investors.

After the possible union bans were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will release all players for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.