R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from NRL
The athlete won 20 test matches for New Zealand before transferring allegiance to the Samoan team.
The NRL's governing body has stated that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.
The proposed competition, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.
Top NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.
The Samoan the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.
A group of rugby union teams, including Australia, recently imposed a restriction on players joining R360 participating in international matches.
“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.
“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.
“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and funded by private investors.
Subsequent to the prospective rugby union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.
