R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League
The rugby star gained 20 caps for New Zealand before changing representation to Samoa.
Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for 10 years.
R360, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down game calendar.
Prominent rugby league stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include multiple men's sides and women's teams based in large metropolitan areas worldwide.
Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has said he has had talks with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.
A group of rugby union nations, including Australia, earlier declared a restriction on players joining R360 participating in test matches.
“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's head Peter V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will always be organizations that try to exploit our code for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of talent. They simply exploit the dedication of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”
The league is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by private investors.
After the prospective union sanctions were announced recently, it said: “We want to work together as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for international matches, as written into their agreements.”
The breakaway group will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, rugby union's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.
