R360 League Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

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

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six or eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major union nations, including Australia, recently declared a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by private investors.

Following the possible union bans were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.