R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 international appearances for New Zealand before changing loyalty to the Samoan team.
The NRL's governing body has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 years.
R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.
Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers globally.
Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing R360.
Eight major union teams, among them Australia, last week announced a restriction on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.
“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said the league's head V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.
“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of players. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
After the prospective union sanctions were revealed earlier, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the global rugby calendar.
“The event is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.
