R360 League Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League
The athlete won 20 caps for the Kiwis before transferring loyalty to the Samoan team.
Australian rugby league's administration has stated that participants who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.
R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.
Leading NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's sides located in key urban centers worldwide.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.
Several leading union teams, such as Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.
“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief the official.
“Sadly, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.
“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”
The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the possible union bans were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.
“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as written into their contracts.”
R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.
