R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.

Top rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.

Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's head Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were revealed earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The series is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will seek approval for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.