R360 Competition Athletes Face Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League
The athlete earned 20 caps for the Kiwis before changing loyalty to Samoa.
Rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.
R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.
Top National Rugby League stars have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams located in key urban centers around the world.
Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.
Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently declared a ban on players joining R360 playing test matches.
“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chief V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the possible rugby union prohibitions were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.
“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.
