R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's authority has declared that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

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

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, recently announced a restriction on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of players. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were declared last week, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.