🔗 Share this article R360 League Recruits Subject to Decade-Long Ban from NRL Roger Tuivasa-Sheck earned 20 test matches for New Zealand before switching loyalty to the Samoan team. Rugby league's administration has stated that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 will be banned for 10 seasons. The proposed competition, set to start in October 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down fixture list. Top NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will include multiple men's teams and four women's teams located in key urban centers globally. Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving R360. Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be considering joining the rebel league. Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in test matches. “We heard our franchises and we've acted decisively,” stated ARLC chief Peter V'Landys. “Sadly, there will persistently exist organizations that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain. “They don't invest in development systems or the development of talent. They simply exploit the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves. “In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.” The organization is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by independent financiers. Following the prospective union sanctions were revealed recently, it stated: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as integrated into the international rugby schedule. “The event is structured with tailored timetables for both genders and we will release all players for international matches, as written into their agreements.” The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from the international authority, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.