R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has stated that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Leading NRL players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, recently imposed a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were revealed recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The competition is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.