R360 Athletes Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL
The athlete gained 20 test matches for New Zealand before switching representation to Samoa.
Rugby league's governing body has stated that players who join the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.
R360, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a condensed fixture list.
Top NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will involve multiple men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.
Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who represents his NRL club in the league, has confirmed he has had discussions with the new organization.
Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.
Eight major union countries, among them Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've acted decisively,” said the league's chairman Peter V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.
“They avoid funding in development systems or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“Essentially, they are, copying the game.”
R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.
Following the possible union prohibitions were declared last week, it stated: “We seek to cooperate together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.
“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as included in their contracts.”
R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in 2026.
