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

Australian rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.

The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.

Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union teams, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 participating in international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head the official.

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

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The organization is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the possible rugby union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”

The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.