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

The NRL's authority has stated that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.

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

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Several leading union teams, such as Australia, earlier imposed a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the development of athletes. They only leverage the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.

Following the prospective union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.