R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League
The rugby star gained 20 caps for New Zealand before transferring representation to the Samoan team.
The NRL's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.
The proposed competition, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.
Top NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from major cities around the world.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has stated he has had talks with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.
A group of union countries, such as Australia, last week imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.
“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's head V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.
“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.
“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”
R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.
Subsequent to the prospective union sanctions were declared earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the global rugby calendar.
“The event is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”
R360 will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.
