R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL
The athlete won 20 test matches for New Zealand before transferring representation to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that players who join the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.
The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.
Prominent rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include multiple men's teams and women's teams located in major cities worldwide.
Representing Samoa the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has said he has had discussions with the new organization.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.
A group of rugby union countries, including Australia, last week declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in international matches.
“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head Peter V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while gaining personally.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.
“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as written into their agreements.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering next year.
