R360 Competition Players Subject to 10-Season Exclusion from National Rugby League
The athlete won 20 test matches for New Zealand before changing representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.
The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.
Prominent rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's sides operating from key urban centers globally.
The Samoan the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.
Several leading rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.
“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”
R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
After the potential union bans were announced recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.
“The competition is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”
R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.
