Rugby-World Rugby agrees player welfare guidelines limiting number of games


  • Rugby
  • Wednesday, 01 Oct 2025

Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Scotland v Ireland - Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain - February 9, 2025 General view during a scrum REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

(Reuters) -World Rugby's Executive Board has agreed new player workload guidelines for the elite game, the sport's governing body said on Wednesday, and next year's inaugural Nations Championship can now go ahead as planned.

The guidelines - recommended to World Rugby by a project group of experts - state that players should play no more than 30 games in a single season or six consecutive match weeks, and should also have a dedicated five-week off-season break.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Rugby

Rugby-Former England captain George to retire after next season
Rugby-Henshaw joins growing Irish injury list for start of Six Nations
Rugby-Penaud out of France squad in sweeping changes for Six Nations, Dupont back
Rugby-Auckland to host opening test in inaugural women's Lions tour
Rugby-Scotland recall Gray, Cherry for Six Nations Championship
Rugby-Wales call up uncapped duo as Reffell, Dyer omitted from Six Nations squad
Rugby-Wallabies skipper Wilson undergoes minor knee operation
Rugby-'Gutted' Robertson steps down as All Blacks coach after critical review
Rugby-Wales' Faletau ruled out of first three Six Nations fixtures
Rugby league-England coach Wane resigns nine months before World Cup

Others Also Read