R360 Competition Players Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before switching allegiance to Samoa.
The NRL's administration has stated that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 seasons.
The new league, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.
Top rugby league players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.
Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.
Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently declared a ban on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.
“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC chairman Peter V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will always be entities that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.
“They avoid funding in pathways or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
The organization is launched by retired international Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their contracts.”
R360 will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.
