R360 League Athletes Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League
The athlete earned 20 test matches for the Kiwis before transferring representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's authority has stated that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.
R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced game calendar.
Leading NRL players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will include multiple men's clubs and women's teams based in key urban centers globally.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.
A group of rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a ban on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.
“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief Peter V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will always be entities that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in development systems or the development of talent. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of economic hardship while gaining personally.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and supported by independent financiers.
Subsequent to the potential rugby union bans were announced recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the global rugby calendar.
“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their agreements.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting next year.
