R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.

Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

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

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the hard work of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is established by retired international Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the potential union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its council meeting next year.