R360 Competition Players Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced fixture list.

Prominent NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's sides located in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.

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

A group of union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Following the potential union prohibitions were announced last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session in 2026.