R360 League Players Face 10-Year Suspension from NRL
The athlete gained 20 international appearances for the Kiwis before transferring loyalty to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.
The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.
Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six to eight men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas worldwide.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.
A group of union nations, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.
“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chairman the official.
“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in development systems or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”
R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
After the possible union sanctions were announced earlier, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will release all players for test matches, as specified in their agreements.”
R360 will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.
