R360 Competition Players Face 10-Year Suspension from Australia's Rugby League
The rugby star earned 20 test matches for the Kiwis before changing loyalty to Samoa.
Rugby league's governing body has stated that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be barred for a decade.
The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.
Leading National Rugby League stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will feature six to eight men's sides and women's teams located in key urban centers globally.
Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had discussions with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.
A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, earlier declared a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.
“We heard our teams and we've acted decisively,” commented ARLC chairman V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.
“They don't invest in pathways or the growth of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of financial loss while benefiting financially.
“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”
The organization is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.
After the possible rugby union prohibitions were announced last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the worldwide fixture list.
“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for both genders and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as written into their contracts.”
R360 will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in 2026.
