R360 Recruits Hit With 10-Season Exclusion from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck earned 20 test matches for New Zealand before switching representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's authority has declared that players who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for a decade.
The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list.
Top rugby league athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from key urban centers worldwide.
The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from R360.
A group of union teams, among them Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.
“We have consulted our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that seek to pirate our code for potential financial gain.
“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced last week, it said: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”
The new league will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its board session next year.
