R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Ban from NRL
The rugby star gained 20 test matches for New Zealand before changing loyalty to the Samoan team.
Australian rugby league's authority has announced that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 seasons.
The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.
Top rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six or eight men's sides and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas globally.
Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.
Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.
“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.
“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.
After the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The competition is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”
The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.
