R360 League Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

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

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently declared a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of players. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the possible union sanctions were revealed last week, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.