R360 League Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from NRL

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.

Leading rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.

Eight major union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by commercial backers.

After the prospective rugby union bans were revealed earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.