R360 Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 caps for the All Blacks before switching loyalty to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's administration has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.
R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.
Top National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities globally.
Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had talks with the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.
Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.
“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were declared earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their deals.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.
