R360 League Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has announced that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's head V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The organization is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the potential rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.