R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Season Ban from National Rugby League
The rugby star gained 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before transferring loyalty to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 will be prohibited for 10 years.
The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.
Top NRL players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will involve multiple men's sides and four women's sides located in major cities globally.
Representing Samoa the player, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.
Eight major union nations, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.
“We have consulted our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.
“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”
The league is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by private investors.
Following the possible rugby union bans were announced earlier, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The event is designed with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.
