R360 Competition Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

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

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

Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.