R360 League Athletes Hit With 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's authority has announced that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman the official.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the prospective rugby union bans were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.