R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League
The athlete won 20 international appearances for New Zealand before transferring representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 will be banned for a decade.
R360, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.
Prominent National Rugby League athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature multiple men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities globally.
Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.
Eight major rugby union teams, among them Australia, last week declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 appearing in global fixtures.
“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented the league's chief V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of economic hardship while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
Following the prospective union sanctions were declared earlier, it said: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the international rugby schedule.
“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and we will permit participants for test matches, as included in their contracts.”
The breakaway group will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its board session in the coming year.
