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

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, recently announced a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the potential union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.