Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been open about considering a move to R360. Photo: Photosport
The Australian Rugby League Commission has threatened NRL players considering a switch to the rebel R360 union competition with a 10-year ban.
The Saudi-backed professional rugby outfit is reportedly recruiting star players from both union and league, with the intention of launching in 2027.
Eight national rugby organisations - including New Zealand - have told their players they would not be selected for tests, if they are lured offshore by former England centre Mike Tindall, who is also a member of the British Royal Family, through marriage to Zara Phillips - daughter of Princes Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.
Rugby NZ have a standing policy that prohibits players in overseas competitions from All Blacks selection.
The ARLC has gone even much further, banning any player who joins R360 for a decade.
"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 10 years."
NZ Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is widely rumoured to be at the top of Tindall's shopping list and has admitted he is considering all options - including R360 - when he comes off contract at the end of the 2026 season. He has also discussed an extension to his Warriors deal.
"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," ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said.
"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."
The 10-year ban would apply to any player agents who broker a deal with R360.
"This policy reflects the united stance of the commission and NRL clubs," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. "We will not allow unrecognised competitions to undermine the integrity, professionalism and future of rugby league."
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