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

Rugby league's administration has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.

Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.

The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with R360.

Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches.

“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head the official.

“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our code for potential financial gain.

“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while profiting themselves.

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

The organization is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Subsequent to the possible rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.

“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will permit participants for test matches, as written into their deals.”

R360 will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.