R360 Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League
The rugby star won 20 international appearances for the Kiwis before transferring allegiance to the Samoan team.
Australian rugby league's governing body has stated that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.
The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.
Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.
The Samoan the player, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360.
Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently declared a restriction on R360 recruits playing international matches.
“We've listened to our clubs and we've taken firm action,” stated the league's chief V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of players. They simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while gaining personally.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
The league is launched by ex-England star Tindall and backed by private investors.
After the prospective union bans were declared recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.
“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”
R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.
