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

The NRL's governing body has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams based in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the possible rugby union bans were revealed last week, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

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

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