R360 League Recruits Face Decade-Long Ban from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 test matches for the Kiwis before transferring loyalty to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's administration has declared that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.
The new league, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down fixture list.
Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams based in large metropolitan areas around the world.
Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the new competition.
A group of union countries, among them Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing international matches.
“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman the official.
“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.
“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
The league is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.
Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were declared earlier, it stated: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list.
“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will release all players for test matches, as written into their contracts.”
R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.
