R360 Recruits Face 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League
The rugby star earned 20 test matches for the Kiwis before switching representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's administration has announced that players who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.
The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.
Prominent National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.
A group of union countries, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chairman the official.
“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the efforts of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is established by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.
Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.
“The series is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as written into their agreements.”
The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.
