R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule.

Leading NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, including Australia, last week declared a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the prospective union bans were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for test matches, as specified in their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.