R360 League Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, earlier declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the potential rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.