R360 League Athletes Subject to 10-Season Ban from NRL
The rugby star earned 20 test matches for the Kiwis before changing representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years.
R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed game calendar.
Top rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers worldwide.
Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had talks with the new organization.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.
Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, last week declared a ban on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.
“We heard our clubs and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief the official.
“Regrettably, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our code for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in development systems or the advancement of players. They only leverage the hard work of others, putting players at risk of economic hardship while benefiting financially.
“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”
R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by private investors.
Following the possible union sanctions were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as integrated into the international rugby schedule.
“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as written into their agreements.”
The new league will request authorization for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering next year.
