R360 League Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

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

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

A group of rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the possible union prohibitions were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.