R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.

The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Top National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's sides located in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading union countries, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

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

“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.

After the potential union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their deals.”

The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.