R360 Players Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Top rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.

Eight major union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a ban on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the potential union prohibitions were revealed earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.