R360 Recruits Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Leading rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were revealed last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.