R360 Competition Athletes Subject to 10-Year Ban from NRL
The rugby star earned 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before switching allegiance to Samoa.
Rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be barred for a decade.
R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down playing schedule.
Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's sides located in large metropolitan areas around the world.
Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.
Eight major union nations, such as Australia, recently announced a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in international matches.
“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chief V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.
After the prospective union sanctions were declared recently, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.
“The event is structured with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their deals.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.
