R360 Athletes Subject to 10-Year Ban from Australia's Rugby League
The rugby star gained 20 international appearances for New Zealand before transferring representation to Samoa.
Rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 league will be prohibited for a decade.
The new league, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.
Leading rugby league players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve six to eight men's teams and women's teams based in major cities around the world.
Samoa's the rugby star, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.
Several leading union countries, including Australia, earlier announced a ban on players joining R360 participating in test matches.
“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our game for economic benefit.
“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.
“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”
The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the potential union prohibitions were declared last week, it said: “We want to work in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The event is structured with customized calendars for both genders and the organization will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”
R360 will request authorization for its plans from rugby union's governing body, union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.