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

The NRL's authority has declared that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.

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

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the potential union sanctions were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.