R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while gaining personally.

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

The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.