R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Year Ban from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 test matches for the Kiwis before changing representation to Samoa.
Rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.
The new league, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.
Prominent National Rugby League athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in major cities around the world.
Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.
Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC head the official.
“Sadly, there will always be groups that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.
After the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The series is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts.”
The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.
