R360 Athletes Hit With Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League
The athlete won 20 test matches for the Kiwis before changing allegiance to Samoa.
Rugby league's authority has announced that players who join the “breakaway” R360 league will be banned for 10 years.
The new league, which plans to launch in 2026, is seeking to lure rugby union and rugby league players with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.
Leading NRL players have allegedly been contacted by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's teams and four women's sides based in key urban centers worldwide.
Representing Samoa the player, who plays for the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Haas and Jye Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the new competition.
A group of union teams, such as Australia, last week announced a ban on players joining R360 playing international matches.
“We heard our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.
“They fail to contribute in development systems or the growth of talent. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while benefiting financially.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
The organization is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by commercial backers.
Subsequent to the potential union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We want to work together as part of the global rugby calendar.
“The competition is arranged with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will permit participants for test matches, as written into their contracts.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.