R360 League Players Face 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck earned 20 test matches for the Kiwis before transferring allegiance to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's governing body has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.
R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.
Top NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include multiple men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities worldwide.
Samoa's the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had talks with the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from R360.
A group of union teams, such as Australia, recently imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.
“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.
“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”
R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.
After the prospective rugby union sanctions were declared last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The event is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its board session in 2026.
