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

Readers can navigate between sections as they see fit.