R360 Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 test matches for the Kiwis before switching loyalty to Samoa.
The NRL's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be barred for a decade.
R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down playing schedule.
Leading rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.
The Samoan the rugby star, who represents the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.
A group of union teams, including Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits playing test matches.
“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.
“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”
R360 is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.
After the prospective union bans were announced last week, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.
“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”
R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its board session next year.
