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

Rugby league's authority has stated that participants who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's sides located in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.

Several leading union teams, among them Australia, recently declared a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in development systems or the development of players. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”

The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.

After the potential rugby union prohibitions were announced earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.