R360 Players Face 10-Season Suspension from National Rugby League
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck earned 20 caps for the Kiwis before transferring allegiance to Samoa.
The NRL's authority has stated that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for 10 years.
R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a slimmed-down game calendar.
Top National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six to eight men's sides and women's teams operating from key urban centers around the world.
Samoa's Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing the rebel league.
A group of union countries, including Australia, last week announced a prohibition on R360 recruits participating in test matches.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's head the official.
“Regrettably, there will continually be organizations that try to exploit our code for monetary profit.
“They don't invest in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of other organizations, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally.
“In truth, they represent, copying the game.”
The organization is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers.
After the prospective union prohibitions were revealed last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule.
“The event is arranged with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their deals.”
The new league will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's administrative organization, at its official gathering in 2026.
