R360 Competition Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League
The athlete gained 20 test matches for the All Blacks before transferring loyalty to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's authority has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for a decade.
The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a condensed game calendar.
Prominent rugby league athletes have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in large metropolitan areas globally.
The Samoan the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.
Eight major union teams, such as Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on players joining R360 playing global fixtures.
“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC head the official.
“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.
“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while benefiting financially.
“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”
R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
Following the possible union prohibitions were revealed recently, it commented: “We want to work in partnership as a component of the international rugby schedule.
“The series is designed with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their contracts.”
R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.
