World Rugby’s Executive Board has approved new player load guidelines to govern elite men’s and women’s rugby globally.
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A project group of scientists, unions, players, competitions and high performance experts developed the recommendations. These measures impose caps on games, enforce rest periods, and set minimum non-contact time to protect athletes.
The guidelines act as a global backstop where local agreements are absent, prioritising player welfare above all.
END-GAME IS TO REDUCE OVERLOAD
Under the new rules, players may compete in no more than 30 full matches per season. They may also not be involved in more than 6 consecutive match weeks without rest.
In year-round terms, players must receive 12 weeks of non-contact time annually. Each player must get a minimum of five consecutive weeks off each off‑season. When selected for international duty, they earn at least one week’s rest before returning to play.
World Rugby noted that “the guidelines are supported by scientific evidence or, where existing studies lack, expert opinion”. They adopted a precautionary approach aligned with other player welfare policies.
Per the statement, “these guidelines will act as a backstop where no local agreement around player load currently exists.”
World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson said: “These guidelines are the result of much intense negotiation over many years.” He added that they provide a solid backstop while unions progressively refine local approaches.
IMPLEMENTATION OF GUIDELINES WILL BE BIGGEST CHALLENGE
World Rugby made these guidelines a condition for approving the new Nations Championship in 2026.
The success of this system will depend on cooperation across rugby’s many stakeholders. Robinson emphasised unions should adapt these rules “to best serve the individual circumstances of players”.
Where local agreements already exceed minimums, they will continue to apply in harmony with global rules.
In places like South Africa, where rugby is played cross hemispheres nearly year-round, implementation will be especially complex.
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THESE WORLD RUGBY GUIDELINES?
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