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World Rugby sets game limits to improve player welfare
World Rugby limits elite players to 30 games per season and six consecutive weeks to reduce concussions and improve welfare, with rules starting summer 2026.
- On Wednesday World Rugby's executive board agreed to new player load guidelines and made their adoption a condition for the Nations Championship, allowing the tournament to proceed next year.
- A study cited by the International Rugby Players Association found concussion rates have not fallen despite tougher sanctions, prompting World Rugby to adopt precautionary guidelines informed by science and expert opinion.
- Play no more than 30 games in a single season or six consecutive match weeks, with players entitled to a five-week off-season, one week rest after international fixtures, and 12 weeks non-contact annually.
- Supporters said the guidelines will act as a backstop, and Chairman Dr Brett Robinson praised the agreement as the result of much intense negotiation, supported by leagues, unions, independent experts, and IRPA.
- With teams losing around 15 players during long campaigns, competitions face pressure to adjust calendars as the Pacific Nations Cup spanned five weeks and Samoa played seven consecutive weeks.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
The International Federation offers 12 weeks without rugby-related contact throughout the year.
·Montreal, Canada
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The international federation published on Wednesday recommendations to preserve the health of the players, including a limit to 30 matches per year and 12 weeks without contact throughout the year.
·Paris, France
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 38%
12%
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