R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

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

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week imposed a ban on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

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

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

After the possible union sanctions were declared earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.