R360 League Players Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from National Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 caps for the All Blacks before switching allegiance to Samoa.
The NRL's administration has announced that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.
R360, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.
Top rugby league players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature multiple men's teams and four women's teams based in major cities around the world.
The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.
Eight major rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.
“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our sport for economic benefit.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
Following the possible union prohibitions were revealed last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.
“The series is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”
R360 will seek approval for its proposals from the international authority, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.
