🔗 Share this article R360 Competition Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Ban from Australia's Rugby League The rugby star won 20 international appearances for the All Blacks before changing loyalty to the Samoan team. Rugby league's governing body has stated that participants who join the “breakaway” R360 competition will be barred for a decade. The new league, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with lucrative deals and a condensed fixture list. Prominent NRL stars have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will include six to eight men's sides and four women's sides operating from key urban centers globally. Samoa's the rugby star, who is with the Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had discussions with the breakaway league. Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be considering joining the new competition. A group of union countries, among them Australia, last week imposed a restriction on R360 recruits playing test matches. “We heard our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC head Peter V'Landys. “Sadly, there will persistently exist groups that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain. “They avoid funding in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while benefiting financially. “Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.” R360 is launched by former England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and supported by commercial backers. After the potential union bans were declared earlier, it commented: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list. “The event is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will permit participants for global fixtures, as written into their deals.” The breakaway group will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, union's administrative organization, at its board session in the coming year.