The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) have announced that players who break contracts to take up offers from R360 face a 10-year ban from playing in their competitions, which includes the NRL.
The governing body’s statement is the latest crackdown on the rebel competition, coming just a week after the unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy confirmed players would not be eligible for Test selection if they signed.
Reports have emerged that as many as 10 high-profile NRL players, including former All Black and current New Zealand Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Kangaroos star Zac Lomax, are set to take up offers to join the breakaway league.
‘They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code’
The ban also extends to NRL-accredited player agents who act for, assist, represent, or advise a player who later agrees to join R360; however, these can be appealed and reviewed. The ARLC confirm that any appeals will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Commenting on the new measures, ARLC chairman, Peter V’landys, said: “The Commission has a clear duty to act in the best interests of Rugby League and its fans — and we will take all necessary steps to protect the future of the game.
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“Unfortunately, there will always be organisations that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain. They don’t invest in pathways or the development of players — they simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves. They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.
“Accordingly, if it all goes wrong, it’s the players who suffer most. Every stakeholder must be accountable to the standards our fans expect. We’ve listened to our clubs, and we’ve acted decisively.”
NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, added: “This policy reflects the united stance of the Commission and NRL clubs. We will not allow unrecognised competitions to undermine the integrity, professionalism, and future of rugby league.”