R360 Competition Athletes Hit With 10-Season Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.

Top rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six or eight men's teams and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.

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

A group of union teams, including Australia, recently announced a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

After the prospective union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its board session in 2026.