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

Rugby league's authority has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's teams located in major cities globally.

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

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major union teams, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”

The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the possible union bans were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.