R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League
The athlete gained 20 caps for the All Blacks before changing loyalty to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's administration has stated that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be barred for a decade.
R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.
Leading NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's sides and women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.
A group of union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.
“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC head V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our game for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
The organization is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.
Following the prospective union sanctions were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the international rugby schedule.
“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their agreements.”
R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its official gathering in the coming year.
