R360 League Recruits Subject to 10-Season Suspension from NRL
The rugby star gained 20 caps for New Zealand before changing representation to the Samoan team.
Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.
R360, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.
Leading rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas globally.
Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.
Several leading rugby union teams, among them Australia, recently declared a restriction on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.
“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.
“They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”
R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
After the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.
“The series is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will release all players for test matches, as included in their deals.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.
