The ARLC has revealed any player who “negotiates, signs, or enters into” an agreement to join emerging rebel rugby competition R360 will be banned from competitions for 10 years.

The commission released a statement on Wednesday afternoon detailing the prohibitions and sanctions outlined by a board meeting sparked by the growing threat of R360.

Players can earn the 10-year ban should they enter into a “verbal or written” agreement or contract and the ARLC “retains sole discretion to review or lift” those punishments.

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The move comes with the threat of the R360 competition continuing to grow, with bosses of the rebel rugby competition targeting some of the NRL biggest stars.

Payne Haas, Zac Lomax, Nathan Cleary, Reece Walsh and Ryan Papenhuyze, among others, have all been linked with R360.

“Any NRL Player who negotiates, signs, or enters into a Letter of Intent, Playing Contract, or any other form of agreement—whether verbal or written—with a football competition, league, or organisation not recognised by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) as a national sporting federation, will be banned from participation in the NRL and any ARLC-sanctioned competitions for a period of ten (10) years,” the statement reads.

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As well as players, agents can also earn a 10-year ban from NRL-related negotiations if they are found to have assisted or advised a player in dealings with R360 powerbrokers.

“Any NRL Accredited Player Agent who acts for, assists, represents, or advises a player in any capacity in relation to dealings with, or the signing of, a Letter of Intent or Playing Contract with a football competition that is not recognised by the ARLC as a national sporting federation, will be subject to the same ten (10) year ban from NRL-related activities, including accreditation renewal,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, ARLC chairman Peter V’landys made it clear he believes the R360 competition is hoping to “exploit” the NRL’s riches of talent.

“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,” he said in the statement.

“Unfortunately, there will always be organisations that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.

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“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.”

Meanwhile, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo echoed V’landys’ sentiment.

“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,” he said.

More to come…