R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League
The athlete gained 20 test matches for the All Blacks before switching loyalty to Samoa.
Rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who sign with the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for a decade.
R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced playing schedule.
Leading rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and four women's teams located in major cities globally.
Representing Samoa the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be considering joining the rebel league.
Eight major rugby union countries, among them Australia, recently declared a restriction on R360 recruits playing global fixtures.
“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” stated the league's chairman V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our sport for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.
“They are, in reality, copying the game.”
The league is established by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.
Following the prospective union sanctions were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work in partnership as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.
“The competition is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as specified in their deals.”
R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.
