R360 League Recruits Hit With 10-Year Exclusion from NRL
The athlete gained 20 caps for the Kiwis before transferring representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's governing body has announced that athletes who sign with the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be barred for 10 seasons.
R360, set to start in late 2026, is seeking to lure players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.
Prominent NRL stars have reportedly received offers by the breakaway group, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams based in major cities worldwide.
The Samoan Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the rebel league.
Eight major union countries, such as Australia, earlier declared a restriction on athletes signing with R360 playing global fixtures.
“We have consulted our franchises and we've taken firm action,” commented ARLC head the official.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our sport for economic benefit.
“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of players. They simply exploit the dedication of other organizations, endangering athletes of financial loss while gaining personally.
“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”
The organization is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and funded by private investors.
After the prospective union sanctions were declared last week, it commented: “We aim to collaborate in partnership as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The event is designed with customized calendars for both genders and R360 will allow all athletes for international matches, as included in their contracts.”
The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's regulatory group, at its board session in 2026.
