R360 Competition Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck won 20 test matches for New Zealand before transferring loyalty to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's administration has declared that participants who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be prohibited for a decade.
R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed game calendar.
Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas globally.
Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.
Eight major rugby union nations, including Australia, recently announced a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's head the official.
“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.
“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the growth of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.
“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”
The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
After the prospective union sanctions were revealed earlier, it said: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.
“The series is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as included in their agreements.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.
