R360 Players Subject to 10-Season Ban from NRL
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 test matches for the All Blacks before transferring allegiance to Samoa.
The NRL's administration has announced that players who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons.
R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced playing schedule.
Prominent NRL players have reportedly received offers by the new league, which will include six or eight men's clubs and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world.
Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining the new competition.
Eight major rugby union teams, such as Australia, recently announced a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.
“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said ARLC chief Peter V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in development systems or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of economic hardship while profiting themselves.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
The league is co-founded by retired international Mike Tindall and funded by commercial backers.
After the potential rugby union sanctions were announced earlier, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the worldwide fixture list.
“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”
The new league will request authorization for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's administrative organization, at its board session next year.
