R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

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

The new league, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

A group of union teams, such as Australia, last week announced a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've responded strongly,” said ARLC chief the official.

“Sadly, there will continually be entities that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the possible union bans were declared last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.