What new World Rugby welfare rule means to players

World Rugby has taken another major step in prioritising player welfare after its Executive Board approved new player load guidelines for the global men’s and women’s elite game.

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The guidelines, which were shaped by a Player Load Project Group made up of leading experts from unions, clubs, competitions, and players’ representatives, will serve as a framework to safeguard athletes in situations where no local agreements currently exist.

They are rooted in scientific research, and where studies are still lacking, the guidelines stem from expert opinion.

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Under the new rules, players will not be allowed to play more than 30 matches in a single season or feature in more than six consecutive match weeks.

They must also be granted a dedicated five-week off-season break, along with a minimum one-week rest period if selected for international duty.

Across the calendar year, every player should benefit from 12 weeks of non-contact time. Crucially, there must also be consistent communication between clubs and national teams to ensure that players are not overworked.

World Rugby emphasised that these measures will not only safeguard players but also sustain performance levels and protect the future of the sport.

The agreement of the new guidelines has been made a condition for the upcoming Nations Championship, set to kick off in the summer of 2026.

Dr Brett Robinson, Chairman of World Rugby, hailed the milestone as key in protecting players’ welfare.

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“These guidelines are the result of much intense negotiation over many years. I’d like to congratulate all involved on achieving this agreement. As with all World Rugby policies, these guidelines are informed by the latest science and expert opinion.

Our hope, over time, is that unions and competitions reach local agreements to best serve the individual circumstances of players.

In the meantime, these guidelines provide a solid backstop. As we grow our sport, players can be sure that they are being well supported by their clubs, unions, and at the very top of the game by World Rugby,” Robinson said.

The Player Load Project Group that developed the framework included representatives such as Julian Piscone (French Rugby Federation), who chaired the group, Conrad Smith, Rachel Burford, Danielle Salmon (International Rugby Players Association).

Ross Tucker (Independent), Julie Paterson (Six Nations), Matt Cross (Prem Rugby), Sylvain Blanchard (National Rugby League), along with union and club coaches including Johan van Graan, Stuart Lancaster, and John Dobson.

World Rugby’s own medical and performance experts, including Eanna Falvey and Mark Harrington, were also key contributors.