R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Year Suspension from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 caps for New Zealand before switching allegiance to the Samoan team.
The NRL's governing body has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 years.
The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.
Top NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.
Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.
A group of union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 playing international matches.
“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.
“They fail to contribute in pathways or the development of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.
“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”
The organization is established by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the potential rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.
“The event is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”
The new league will seek approval for its plans from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.
