R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League
The rugby star earned 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before transferring allegiance to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's authority has declared that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.
R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.
Prominent NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities globally.
Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.
Eight major union teams, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.
“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chief the official.
“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers 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 private investors.
Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were declared earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their agreements.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.
