R360 League Players Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL
The athlete gained 20 test matches for the All Blacks before transferring loyalty to Samoa.
Rugby league's administration has announced that participants who enter the “rebel” R360 league will be banned for a decade.
R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.
Leading National Rugby League stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will involve six or eight men's sides and women's teams located in major cities worldwide.
The Samoan the player, who is with the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had talks with R360.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition.
Several leading union countries, such as Australia, recently announced a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in test matches.
“We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.
“Unfortunately, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our game for monetary profit.
“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the advancement of athletes. They only leverage the efforts of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while gaining personally.
“They are, in reality, imitating the sport.”
R360 is co-founded by ex-England star Tindall and backed by commercial backers.
Following the potential union bans were declared last week, it said: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the international rugby schedule.
“The event is designed with bespoke schedules for both genders and we will release all players for global fixtures, as specified in their agreements.”
The breakaway group will seek approval for its plans from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.
