R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League
The athlete earned 20 test matches for the All Blacks before changing representation to the Samoan team.
Australian rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who join the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.
R360, set to start in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.
Top rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.
Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.
Eight major rugby union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 participating in global fixtures.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC chief the official.
“Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.
“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”
The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors.
After the prospective rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.
“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for test matches, as written into their agreements.”
The new league will request authorization for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.
