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

The NRL's governing body has stated that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.