R360 Competition Recruits Face 10-Year Exclusion from NRL
The rugby star won 20 caps for the All Blacks before changing allegiance to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 will be banned for a decade.
The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.
Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's sides and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.
Samoa's the rugby star, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has said he has had discussions with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be considering joining R360.
A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a ban on R360 recruits playing test matches.
“We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our code for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is co-founded by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.
Subsequent to the possible union sanctions were declared recently, it commented: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.
“The series is structured with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and R360 will permit participants for international matches, as included in their deals.”
The new league will request authorization for its initiatives from the international authority, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.
