R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Ban from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 test matches for the Kiwis before switching allegiance to Samoa.
Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for a decade.
R360, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.
Top National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature six to eight men's clubs and four women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.
Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league.
Several leading union nations, including Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits participating in global fixtures.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
The organization is established by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.
Following the potential union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We want to work collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.
“The event is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for test matches, as included in their agreements.”
The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, the sport's administrative organization, at its council meeting in the coming year.
