R360 Competition Athletes Subject to Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League
The rugby star won 20 international appearances for New Zealand before switching allegiance to Samoa.
The NRL's authority has stated that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be barred for a decade.
R360, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a condensed playing schedule.
Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature six or eight men's sides and four women's teams located in key urban centers worldwide.
The Samoan the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has confirmed he has had talks with R360.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.
A group of rugby union nations, among them Australia, earlier announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in test matches.
“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated Australian Rugby League Commission head V'Landys.
“Regrettably, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit.
“They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
R360 is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers.
Following the possible rugby union bans were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.
“The series is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”
R360 will apply for endorsement for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.
