R360 League Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Rugby league's administration has stated that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the league, has said he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of talent. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

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