R360 Recruits Subject to 10-Year Exclusion from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck earned 20 caps for the All Blacks before changing loyalty to the Samoan team.
Australian rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who join the “breakaway” R360 will be barred for 10 years.
R360, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar.
Top NRL players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six to eight men's sides and four women's sides located in major cities around the world.
Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has confirmed he has had talks with the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the rebel league.
Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently declared a restriction on R360 recruits participating in international matches.
“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC chief V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will persistently exist entities that try to exploit our game for monetary profit.
“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.
“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”
The league is launched by retired international Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.
After the potential union prohibitions were declared last week, it said: “We want to work together as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their agreements.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, the sport's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.
