R360 Competition Recruits Hit With 10-Year Suspension from National Rugby League
The rugby star won 20 international appearances for the Kiwis before changing loyalty to Samoa.
Rugby league's governing body has declared that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be prohibited for 10 years.
The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list.
Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six or eight men's clubs and women's teams based in major cities globally.
Representing Samoa the player, who plays for his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining R360.
Several leading rugby union nations, among them Australia, last week imposed a ban on players joining R360 participating in international matches.
“We've listened to our teams and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our sport for monetary profit.
“They avoid funding in pathways or the advancement of athletes. They simply exploit the hard work of existing bodies, putting players at risk of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by independent financiers.
Following the prospective rugby union prohibitions were revealed last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and R360 will permit participants for test matches, as written into their agreements.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, the sport's governing body, at its official gathering in the coming year.
