R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's authority has stated that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.

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

Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

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

Eight major union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will always be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.

“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will release all players for international matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.