R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before switching allegiance to Samoa.
The NRL's administration has stated that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.
R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.
Leading National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six or eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from major cities globally.
The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.
Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”
The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.
Following the potential union bans were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.
“The event is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”
The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its board session next year.
