France’s New Concussion Rules: a step in the wrong direction

Jared Payne, Reggie Goodes, James Broadhurst, Mouritz Botha, Nathan White, Kevin McLaughlin, Jonathan Thomas, and Alistair Hargreaves – all have retired due to concussion. Dylan Hartley, George North, Mike Brown, Francis Saili, Dane Coles, Ben Smith, and Ryan Crotty –…

Pulu & Nacewa: the Invalidity of Eligibility

In what is merely the latest drama surrounding World Rugby’s eligibility rules, former Niue international sevens player, Toni Pulu, has been declared eligible for Australia. The new Brumbies signing hit the headlines this week after rumours circulated that he had…

The Ashley Johnson Case Explained

On 23rd July 2018, the National Anti-Doping Panel (“the Panel”) handed down their decision in the case of Wasps RFC’s Ashley Johnson. After failing a drugs test earlier this year, the flanker-cum-hooker was given a six-month ban backdated to the…

Changing Rugby’s Eligibility Rules: a short-term fix for a long-term problem

Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (PRPW) has announced its intention to petition World Rugby for drastic changes to its international eligibility rules. The desired amendment would allow players who have already represented a ‘Tier 1’ nation, such as New Zealand, to…

Spanish Rugby Federation v World Rugby (Part III)

Spanish Rugby in the Dock Part III: The End of the Line? | Keep Calm Talk Law An appeal committee upheld a first-instance decision that blocks the Spanish rugby team from qualifying for the Rugby World Cup 2019. Both decisions…

Spanish Rugby Federation v World Rugby (Part I)

Spanish Rugby in the Dock Pt I: Finding Grounds for Appeal | Keep Calm Talk Law A Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification match between Belgium and Spain was steeped in controversy. But in a recent decision, an independent committee declined…

A Legal Headache: Negligence, Concussion and Rugby Union

A Legal Headache: Negligence, Concussion and Rugby Union | Keep Calm Talk Law The world of Rugby Union is slowly coming to terms with the serious long-term impacts that concussion can have on players. And while practices are changing to…