R360 League Athletes Face 10-Year Ban from NRL
The athlete won 20 caps for New Zealand before switching representation to the Samoan team.
Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for a decade.
R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.
Prominent NRL players have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include multiple men's teams and women's teams operating from major cities globally.
Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from R360.
A group of union teams, among them Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.
“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chairman the official.
“Sadly, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.
“They don't invest in development systems or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is launched by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.
After the prospective rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it stated: “We want to work together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.
“The event is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”
The new league will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its official gathering next year.
