Find information about our Volunteers and what you need to do to become a volunteer.
Safeguarding in rugby refers to the proactive measures and policies put in place to ensure the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and adults involved in the game — players, volunteers, coaches, and supporters alike. It includes recognising and responding to concerns about abuse, neglect, or unsafe practices, and ensuring rugby is delivered in a safe, positive environment for all. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility at all levels of the game. grfu.org/safeguarding
RugbySafe is the Rugby Football Union’s player welfare and safety programme. It provides guidance, tools, and resources to help clubs and organisers manage risks, deliver safe activities, and promote best practice in health, safety, and wellbeing for all participants. This includes guidance on first-aid provision, risk assessments, medical conditions, equipment, and welfare policies. www.englandrugby.com/run/player-welfare/rugbysafe
In simple terms: Safeguarding is about people protection; RugbySafe is about safe participation and environment.
Information about playing out of age grade (e.g., playing up or down an age group, combining age grades, or 17-year-olds playing adult rugby) can be found on the GRFU website under Playing Out of Age Grade and Combining Age Grades. There are specific application processes, age criteria, and RFU regulations that must be followed, and approval from GRFU is required before a player participates outside their age grade. grfu.org/playing-out-of-age-group-pooag
To play cross-border matches (against clubs in Wales, Scotland, etc.), clubs must obtain advance approval from GRFU under RFU Regulation 10. The club must ensure:
Tour information (requirements, forms, checklists) is available on the GRFU website under Tours or Outgoing/Incoming Tour Forms. Tours require advance approval and must comply with RFU Regulation 15 (Age Grade Rugby) and RFU Regulation 10 (Tours & Cross-Union Matches). grfu.org/outgoing-tour-form/
A rugby tour is any rugby-related activity that involves an overnight stay, whether in the UK or abroad. Tours offer teams an opportunity to play multiple fixtures, build team cohesion, and experience competitive rugby in different environments. They must be organised in line with RFU rules and approved by the relevant Constituent Body. www.englandrugby.com/run/club-management/policies-and-procedures/rugby-tours
To run a competition, festival, or tournament involving four teams or more (especially age-grade), clubs must:
The annual subscription for club affiliation to GRFU is agreed at the GRFU Annual General Meeting each year. Clubs must pay their subscription by 31 October to retain full privileges. Subscriptions support GRFU activities, development, and governance.
Specific current subscription fees should be added here once confirmed by GRFU Office.
Clubs and affiliated bodies must submit their annual accounts (audited where required) to the GRFU Treasurer by 31 October each year. Failure to do so may lead to sanctions.
Annual accounts help GRFU monitor financial sustainability, transparency, and compliance within affiliated clubs. This supports good governance and the long-term health of club rugby in the county.
A citing is a formal complaint that a player committed an act of foul play not seen or sanctioned by the referee. It must be:
Every club must: