R360 League Players Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL
The athlete gained 20 test matches for the All Blacks before switching allegiance to the Samoan team.
The NRL's authority has announced that players who join the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.
R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.
Leading NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's sides and four women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.
Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.
Several leading rugby union countries, including Australia, last week declared a ban on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.
“We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will continually be entities that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.
“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”
R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.
Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were announced recently, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.
“The event is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”
The breakaway group will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.
