LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announced a significant measure: a 10-year ban for any NRL player who joins a football competition not officially recognized by the ARLC. This decision comes amid increasing speculation about prominent players potentially joining a breakaway rugby union league.
On Wednesday, the ARLC's statement highlighted that several rugby union federations have already imposed bans on Test match participation for players who contract with R360.
R360 is a newly formed rebel rugby union league, co-founded by Mike Tindall, a former England Rugby World Cup winner. Reports indicate that high-profile NRL players are being targeted by R360, though the league has not yet announced a launch date.
In its announcement on Wednesday, the ARLC clarified that even engaging in negotiations with a non-recognized competition could result in a 10-year ban for players.
The statement from the ARLC does not specify any particular competition, stating: "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."
According to ARLC chairman Peter V'landys, this policy is intended to safeguard the future of rugby league and uphold the integrity of the sport for its fans.