The National Rugby League (NRL) has advised Clubs and Accredited Player Agents of changes to the NRL Anti-Tampering Rules which will come into effect on February 1, 2026.
As a result of the changes, new rules will be in place which prevents parties from interfering in contract discussions through public statements.
Clubs have been advised that the definition of tampering will now include certain public and private statements that could be seen as attempts to lure or entice a player to join another Club.
The new regulations have been created in conjunction with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) in line with the CBA, and are designed to protect each Club's contract and negotiation rights during the term of a player's contracted employment with a Club.
Any public statements would not be considered tampering should the player be given permission by his or her incumbent Club to negotiate elsewhere.
Existing rules around tampering, on top of public commentary, will continue to apply.
While Clubs have been advised of the changes, the changes will only come into effect on February 1. Clubs and agents will be provided education of the new anti-tampering regulations prior to February 1.
Penalties for breaching the new anti-tampering rules may include financial penalties for offending Clubs, Players and Accredited Agents, salary cap penalties for offending Clubs, and in the most serious circumstances deregistration of Club Officials, accredited agents and players.
What is Tampering?
Tampering refers to any attempt by a Club, Club Official, Player or Agent to interfere during a player's employment term, contrary to the NRL Rules that prohibits negotiating or contracting with a rival Club at specific times. This now includes certain public and private statements that could be seen as attempts to lure or entice a player to join another Club.
What type of public or private comments will be caught by the new rules?
The new rules capture any expression of interest - public or private - made to anyone involved or related to player contracting or through the media, aimed at securing or providing a player's services during periods when the NRL Rules prohibit player negotiations.
What is not Tampering?
It is not tampering when the player is free to negotiate and sign an NRL Contract with another team (in the last year of their contract) or when the player and current registered Club agree in writing that the player may seek interest from and/or negotiate with other Clubs during a period which would otherwise be a breach of the NRL Rules.
Why has the game taken this stance?
To further preserve the integrity of NRL Playing Contracts and provide additional protections (over and above what already exists within the rules) to both players and their incumbent Clubs when a player is under contract to a registered NRL Contract to that Club.
What has changed?
Tampering is not a new concept and has existed in the NRL Rules for a significant time. Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NRL and RLPA agreed to strengthen these rules to protect the game and address an emerging practice across the player contracting landscape. The changes are aimed at fostering a more professional contracting environment that improves integrity, transparency and good faith in all dealings.
