R360 Competition Players Hit With 10-Season Suspension from NRL
The athlete gained 20 test matches for New Zealand before transferring allegiance to Samoa.
Rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.
The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down fixture list.
Top National Rugby League players have reportedly received offers by R360, which will feature multiple men's sides and four women's sides based in key urban centers around the world.
Representing Samoa the rugby star, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the competition, has stated he has had negotiations involving R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.
Several leading union nations, such as Australia, earlier announced a ban on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches.
“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chairman the official.
“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.
“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They simply exploit the efforts of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while benefiting financially.
“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”
The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the prospective union prohibitions were declared earlier, it commented: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for global fixtures, as written into their agreements.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting in 2026.
