R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Prominent National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.

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

Several leading union nations, such as Australia, recently imposed a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.

“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

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

Following the possible union prohibitions were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”

The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.