Australia's National Rugby League threatens 10-year bans for R360 defectors

SYDNEY :Australia's National Rugby League acted decisively in response to the threat to their playing talent presented by the rebel franchise league R360 on Wednesday by promising 10-year bans to any potential defectors.

Fronted by former England rugby union centre Mike Tindall, R360 is due to launch in 2026 and media reports have linked it with big-money offers for top rugby union and rugby league players.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) said any NRL player negotiating or signing an agreement with a "football competition, league, or organisation not recognised by the ARLC as a national sporting federation" would be banned for a decade.

The statement said any NRL-registered player agent who "acts for, assists, represents, or advises a player in any capacity" in relation to such a league would also be banned for 10 years.

"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," said ARLC chairman Peter V'landys.

"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."

In a statement, R360 co-CEO Mark Spoors said the league had anticipated pushback.

"History shows that when athletes are offered free choice and given fresh opportunities for them and their families then threats to those sportsmen and women follow," he added.

"R360 is about empowering players, giving them, rugby lovers and the next generation of fans opportunities and new platforms to enjoy the sport we love.

"We know