R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from National Rugby League
The athlete gained 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before transferring representation to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's authority has announced that athletes who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 years.
The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in late 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.
Top rugby league stars have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides located in key urban centers worldwide.
Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be considering joining R360.
A group of union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a ban on R360 recruits participating in test matches.
“We have consulted our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.
“Unfortunately, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of players. They only leverage the dedication of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.
“Essentially, they are, imitating the sport.”
R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were announced earlier, it stated: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their agreements.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its plans from the international authority, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session next year.
