R360 Competition Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of players. They simply exploit the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the possible union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.