R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

A group of union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

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

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

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

The organization is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the possible union prohibitions were revealed recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session next year.