R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chief V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.