Rugby

Rugby’s evolving commercial, regulatory and financial landscape presents a number of complex competitive challenges for professional players, clubs and the sport’s governing bodies.

We have the experience and expertise to support both codes with a variety of legal issues faced by those involved in the game, providing bespoke, strategic and commercially focussed sector specific advice and representation.

In recent times, professional rugby in England and Wales has been under extreme scrutiny and pressure, with established clubs facing serious financial difficulties and falling into administration. This can lead to both players and staff receiving little notice of the termination of their employment.

With widespread calls for radical reform and realignment of the sport’s commercial, governance, employment and strategic relationships, it is likely only a matter of time before those involved with both codes will need to navigate a raft of procedural changes to support long-term sustainable growth.

Player welfare is a central concern for both rugby league and rugby union with each discussing the protocols and procedures in place to deal with health risks posed to their players, particularly in relation to concussion and tackle height.

Although the evidence of the impact of rugby on players’ psychological and psychiatric wellbeing has influenced stakeholders to tighten concussion rules, many are calling for further changes. The changes in these regulations not only impact the health and fitness of players, they also have ramifications for the liability of the clubs and leagues.

Navigating these complex and high-risk issues is fundamental to the survival and growth of rugby and having the right legal advisers who understand the market is key.

For over 30 years our experienced multi-disciplinary sport team has supported rugby players, clubs and governing bodies alike, with tailored advice and representation, assisting them to achieve their desired outcomes.

We support clients with issues related to sport specific regulatory compliance and arbitration, immigration, insolvency and restructuring, commercial contracts, intellectual property, litigation, employment contracts and tribunals, safeguarding, property law, private client and family law, charity law and banking and finance.

Our team is also committed to educating the sector and we provide training to in-house teams, and welfare officers to support them in meeting their sport specific goals.

We proudly work both domestically and internationally with a number of high-profile rugby union and rugby league clubs, managers, coaches, and players.