R360 League Players Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League
The athlete won 20 international appearances for the Kiwis before transferring representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's administration has declared that participants who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.
The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.
Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in major cities worldwide.
Representing Samoa the player, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has said he has had talks with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.
Eight major union countries, including Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on players joining R360 playing international matches.
“We've listened to our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.
Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared last week, it commented: “We want to work collaboratively as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.
“The competition is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their deals.”
The breakaway group will request authorization for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.
