R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's governing body has announced that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.

The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.

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

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by private investors.

Subsequent to the potential union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The event is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session next year.