R360 Players Hit With 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck earned 20 caps for the All Blacks before switching loyalty to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.
The proposed competition, set to start in late 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.
Top NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas globally.
Samoa's the player, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining the new competition.
Several leading union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a restriction on R360 recruits participating in test matches.
“We have consulted our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's head the official.
“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit.
“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and backed by independent financiers.
After the possible union bans were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the global rugby calendar.
“The event is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”
R360 will seek approval for its plans from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.
