How Rugby Union is Responding to Covid-19: a Legal Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a plethora of legal and administrative hurdles for sport worldwide, and rugby union is no exception. Existing fault-lines have come sharply into focus, as tensions have been exacerbated between the game’s stakeholders and discontent has grown. The crises, both public health and economic, have caused disruption on a never-seen-before scale, forcing difficult decisions to be made with haste and leaving many wondering about rugby’s long-term future.

This article provides an overview of how the sport of rugby union has responded to the various legal challenges posed by COVID-19. The author’s specific knowledge of English rugby union will mean an inevitable focus on matters within that jurisdiction, but the article will seek to take a global perspective.

The following issues will be addressed in turn:

  1. The suspension of competition
  2. Employment law issues
  3. Player transfers
  4. Disciplinary sanctions
  5. Return to club competition
  6. Return to international competition

The full article is available on the LawInSport website, here.

RELATED POST

Rugby’s Breakaway League: A Legal Perspective

Last week, the news broke that rugby union may be the next sport to experience the disruption of a breakaway…

England Rugby’s Overseas Player Rule – A Restraint of Trade?

1. Introduction Since 2012, the Rugby Football Union (“RFU”) has operated a policy under which players playing for clubs outside…

A Guide to World Rugby’s Head Contact Process

Head contact in rugby union has come under heightened scrutiny in recent years, owing to increased concern about brain injuries…

Case Analysis: EPCR v. Johnny Sexton & Leinster Rugby

The highly anticipated decision in EPCR’s misconduct case against Ireland captain, Johnny Sexton was published this week, with the player…