🔗 Share this article R360 Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Ban from National Rugby League The athlete earned 20 test matches for the All Blacks before changing allegiance to Samoa. The NRL's administration has declared that players who enter the “rebel” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 years. The proposed competition, which plans to launch in late 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with lucrative deals and a reduced game calendar. Leading NRL stars have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and women's teams located in major cities around the world. Samoa's the player, who represents the Warriors in the league, has stated he has had discussions with R360. Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing R360. A group of union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a prohibition on athletes signing with R360 appearing in international matches. “We've listened to our franchises and we've taken firm action,” said the league's chief V'Landys. “Unfortunately, there will continually be groups that attempt to hijack our game for monetary profit. “They avoid funding in development systems or the advancement of athletes. They merely capitalize on the efforts of others, endangering athletes of monetary damage while benefiting financially. “In truth, they represent, copying the game.” The league is established by former England World Cup winner Tindall and backed by private investors. After the prospective union bans were declared recently, it said: “We seek to cooperate together as part 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 breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, the sport's governing body, at its council meeting next year.