R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 international appearances for the Kiwis before transferring allegiance to Samoa.
Rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.
The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.
Leading National Rugby League athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve multiple men's sides and women's teams operating from major cities around the world.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.
Several leading union countries, among them Australia, earlier declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.
“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC chief the official.
“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our game for economic benefit.
“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the efforts of other organizations, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We want to work together as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is structured with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their deals.”
The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.
