<h2>NRL Issues 10 Year Bans for R360 Players - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>-NRL announces 10-year suspensions for players who negotiate with rebel R360 competition</p> <p>-Accredited agents face identical decade-long bans for assisting players with R360 dealings</p> <p>-ARLC chairman Peter V'landys declares policy protects rugby league's integrity and future</p> <p>The NRL has imposed harsh 10-year bans on players and agents who engage with the rebel R360 competition, following Wednesday's announcement by ARLC chairman Peter V'landys.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>ARLC Takes Decisive Action Against R360 Defections</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Australian Rugby League Commission has implemented severe sanctions following legal advice, with NRL 10 year ban penalties now applying to any player who "negotiates or enters any form of agreement, verbal or written" with the unrecognised R360 competition.</p> <p>ARLC chairman Peter V'landys emphasised the commission's responsibility to rugby league stakeholders, stating: "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."</p> <p>The policy extends beyond players to include accredited agents, creating a comprehensive barrier against R360 recruitment efforts. Any agent who acts for, assists, represents or advises players in dealings with the rebel league faces identical 10-year exclusions from ARLC-sanctioned competitions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Protecting Rugby League's Professional Standards</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>NRL CEO Andrew Abdo reinforced the united stance between the commission and clubs, declaring: "We will not allow unrecognised competitions to undermine the integrity, professionalism, and future of rugby league."</p> <p>The R360 competition promises to launch next year with ambitious global expansion plans, featuring six men's teams and four women's teams across franchises in London, Miami, Tokyo, Dubai, Boston, Cape Town, Lisbon and Madrid. However, V'landys criticised such organisations as exploitative entities that "don't invest in pathways or the development of players - they simply exploit the hard work of others."</p> <p>The ARLC chairman warned that players risk financial loss while these competitions profit, with athletes bearing the consequences if ventures fail. This concern reflects broader industry apprehension about unregulated competitions disrupting established rugby league structures.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>International Rugby Community Responds</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The International Rugby Players Association has advised members to exercise caution regarding R360, which is fronted by former England star Mike Tindall. The global rugby community has strongly condemned the rebel league, with Australia joining major rugby nations in declaring that players signing with R360 would become ineligible for international selection.</p> <p>Despite the blanket policy, the ARLC retains discretion to review bans on a "case-by-case" basis, though only in "exceptionally extenuating circumstances." This approach suggests limited flexibility while maintaining the policy's deterrent effect.</p> <p>The NRL's decisive response demonstrates the governing body's commitment to preserving rugby league's established pathways and professional standards. By implementing comprehensive 10-year suspensions for both players and agents, the ARLC has created significant barriers against R360's recruitment efforts.</p> <p>V'landys concluded that stakeholder accountability remains paramount: "Every stakeholder must be accountable to the standards our fans expect. We've listened to our clubs, and we've acted decisively."</p> <p>The policy represents rugby league's strongest stance against breakaway competitions, prioritising long-term stability over short-term disruption while protecting player welfare within established structures.</p>