R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League
The rugby star won 20 international appearances for New Zealand before changing loyalty to Samoa.
The NRL's governing body has announced that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.
The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.
Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities globally.
Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has said he has had discussions with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.
A group of union teams, such as Australia, recently announced a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.
“We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief the official.
“Regrettably, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.
“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.
“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”
The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.
After the potential union bans were announced earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.
“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”
R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its board session next year.
