R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced fixture list.

Top National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas globally.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.

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

Several leading rugby union nations, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches.

“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.

After the possible rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it said: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The new league will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its board session in the coming year.