🔗 Share this article R360 Competition Recruits Subject to 10-Season Ban from Australia's Rugby League Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gained 20 test matches for the All Blacks before transferring representation to the Samoan team. Rugby league's administration has declared that athletes who join the “rebel” R360 will be barred for 10 years. The new league, set to start in 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with lucrative deals and a reduced playing schedule. Prominent NRL athletes have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from major cities around the world. The Samoan the rugby star, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with the new organization. Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the rebel league. Several leading rugby union countries, among them Australia, earlier announced a prohibition on R360 recruits playing international matches. “We heard our franchises and we've responded strongly,” said the league's chief Peter V'Landys. “Sadly, there will always be entities that seek to pirate our sport for monetary profit. “They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the dedication of others, jeopardizing careers of economic hardship while gaining personally. “In truth, they represent, copying the game.” R360 is co-founded by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by commercial backers. Following the possible rugby union prohibitions were declared recently, it commented: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the worldwide fixture list. “The competition is designed with tailored timetables for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for test matches, as specified in their agreements.” The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting next year.