R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

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

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.

Several leading rugby union nations, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for international matches, as included in their agreements.”

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