R360 Players Subject to 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that participants who join the “rebel” R360 will be barred for a decade.

R360, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams located in key urban centers globally.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.

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

A group of union nations, among them Australia, recently announced a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.

“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chairman V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”

The league is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.

Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.