R360 Competition Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

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

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

A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, recently announced a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC head Peter V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of talent. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

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

The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the prospective union sanctions were revealed earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and we will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering next year.