R360 Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Ban from NRL
The athlete won 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before transferring allegiance to the Samoan team.
The NRL's authority has declared that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.
The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.
Leading rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's clubs and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.
A group of union nations, including Australia, earlier imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.
“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC head the official.
“Sadly, there will continually be organizations that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”
The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.
Subsequent to the possible rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is designed with customized calendars for both genders and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their contracts.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.
