R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from NRL
The rugby star gained 20 test matches for the All Blacks before switching loyalty to the Samoan team.
Australian rugby league's administration has declared that participants who enter the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 seasons.
The proposed competition, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.
Top rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.
Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.
A group of union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in international matches.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist groups that seek to pirate our code for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.
After the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.
“The series is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”
The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.
