🔗 Share this article R360 League Players Subject to 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League The rugby star won 20 international appearances for the Kiwis before changing loyalty to the Samoan team. Australian rugby league's authority has declared that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for a decade. The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar. Leading rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in major cities around the world. The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with R360. Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360. Several leading union teams, such as Australia, last week declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in test matches. “We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chairman V'Landys. “Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit. “They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially. “They are, in reality, copying the game.” The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers. After the potential rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar. “The competition is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will release all players for test matches, as specified in their deals.” The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in 2026.