Welcome to Rugby and the Law
This is a blog for anyone interested in rugby and/or sports law, authored by Morgan Sports Law’s Ben Cisneros.
The laws of Rugby Union are, without doubt, some of the most complex and contentious of the sporting world. With constant debate over dangerous tackles, forward passes, scrums, rucks and mauls, talking points are never lacking.
Away from the pitch, the sport is never short of controversy, either. As it continues grapple with the professional era, disputes and disagreements are never far away, and there remain serious questions about the governance and structure of the game worldwide.
With increased concerns over player welfare, as well as an influx of money into the sport, the stakes are higher than ever. It is more important than ever, therefore, that decisions, both on and off the field, are made correctly. As such, the need for scrutiny of the rules and regulations, those who make them, and those who apply them is also greater than ever.
Consequently, the sport – for better, or for worse – is becoming increasingly ‘juridified’, with an increasing need for both lawyers and principled legal analysis. This blog will try to offer the latter.
About the Author
Ben Cisneros is an Associate at Morgan Sports Law, a boutique law firm focused exclusively on resolving sports-related disputes and protecting athletes’ rights. Ben joined the firm in 2020, having graduated from Selwyn College, Cambridge, with a First in Law in 2019. He also studied at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and is a fluent Spanish speaker.
Ben founded Rugby and the Law to explore the cross-over between two of his passions, and is considered a specialist in this field. This expertise has seen him published in The Telegraph and appear on BBC Radio and Television, whilst he speaks regularly on podcasts, at conferences and at universities. Ben has also had work published by the International Sports Law Journal, the Entertainment and Sports Law Journal, and LawInSport.
Within rugby, Ben’s work has seen him represent players in RFU and EPCR disciplinary hearings (including players from Saracens, Sale Sharks, and Bordeaux); advising rugby players’ associations (including Pacific Rugby Players Welfare and The Women’s Rugby Association); advising clubs (including Doncaster Knights RFC) on regulatory disputes; and assisting players, coaches and agents with contractual issues.
Ben also regularly appears as an advocate before sports tribunals, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
For legal and/or media enquiries, please use the contact details below.
Contact
Email: ben.cisneros@morgansl.com
Twitter: @rugbyandthelaw or @ben_cisneros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-cisneros-sports-law/
