R360 Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 international appearances for the Kiwis before switching loyalty to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.
The new league, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.
Leading rugby league stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's sides and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.
The Samoan the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.
A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently announced a ban on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.
“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is established by retired international Tindall and backed by private investors.
After the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as part of the worldwide fixture list.
“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as specified in their deals.”
R360 will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.
