R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's teams and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, recently declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the potential union prohibitions were declared earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.