R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL

The NRL's administration has stated that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.

Leading rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's sides located in major cities worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.

A group of union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.

“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief V'Landys.

“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is established by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Following the possible rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”

The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.