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2w ago

NRL Imposes 10-Year Bans on Players and Agents Over R360 Talks

Lawyers warn the crackdown could face restraint-of-trade challenges in court.

Tindall is one of the public backers of R360, but there is plenty yet to be revealed by the rebel league’s organisers
Jones, who brings his Japan side to Wembley to face South Africa on November 1, insists R360 is the shot in the arm domestic rugby needs
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Overview

  • Australia’s ARLC ruled that any NRL player who negotiates or signs with an unrecognised competition will be barred from NRL and ARLC-sanctioned play for 10 years, with a discretionary case-by-case review clause.
  • Accredited player agents who facilitate dealings with such leagues will face matching decade-long bans from NRL-related activities.
  • The move follows a joint decision by eight major rugby unions to deem R360 signees ineligible for international selection.
  • Prominent lawyer and former Wests Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis said the NRL’s long suspensions would likely encounter significant hurdles under Australian employment and contract law.
  • R360, fronted by Mike Tindall, says it plans a 2026 launch with festival-style events and World Rugby sanctioning, and reports indicate Camp Nou has been targeted for an opening weekend.