R360 Recruits Face 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 test matches for the Kiwis before switching representation to the Samoan team.
The NRL's administration has declared that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for a decade.
R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.
Leading National Rugby League players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from key urban centers globally.
Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.
Eight major union nations, such as Australia, recently declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches.
“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented ARLC chief V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for potential financial gain.
“They avoid funding in pathways or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
R360 is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.
After the prospective union prohibitions were revealed last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”
The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.
