R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.

R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.

Prominent NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

Several leading union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.

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

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

After the potential union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.