Rugby clubs are responsible for ensuring players have appropriate visas to be registered and, where applicable, contracted with a rugby club in England.
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has a points system to determine if foreign born nationals are allowed to receive a visa to enter and work in the UK.
The UKBA has recognised the RFU as the governing body for Rugby Union in England, and as such the RFU, in partnership with the UKBA and other Home Unions, annually set the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria which must be met by individuals who wish to obtain a visa to carry out rugby union related employment in England.
Please note: The International Sportsperson route replaces T2 Sportsperson and the sporting section of the T5 (Temporary Worker) Creative or Sporting Worker route. The onus is on the applicant to ensure they are compliant with the Immigration Rules in force when they apply for a visa.
The International Sportsperson route is for elite sportspeople and coaches who:
- are internationally established and whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK
- who will base themselves in the UK
- will be filling a post that cannot be filled by a suitable British citizen or person who has a right to enter or stay in the UK without restriction.
- will be employed by a club competing in Premiership Women’s Rugby, the English Championship or the Gallagher Premiership
A club must first obtain a Sponsor License, which is valid for four years. Once obtained they subsequently apply for a GBE for a particular individual whom they want to employ.
A GBE is an approval from the RFU that an individual, at the time of application, has met the strict criteria and is approved by the RFU to receive a visa, pending approval from UKBA. To understand the application process and apply, please follow the links below:
You can also learn more about Governing Body Endorsements on the below websites:
To apply for a GBE, please email an application letter to the relevant address mensplayerregistration@rfu.com or womensplayerregistration@rfu.com , as well as the required documents to evidence the application. On letter headed paper, the application letter must include:
- Full Name (as appears in the individual’s passport).
- Date of Birth
- Nationality (If they hold dual nationality, please confirm which country they have represented, if applicable).
- Length of Visa and Employment (Including the start and end dates. GBEs will not be issued retrospectively).
- Proposed Salary (Per year of contract or pro rata if under 12 months).
- Job Title (e.g. Professional Rugby Player, Director of Rugby, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Skills Coach or Head of Performance).
- Previous GBEs with other Clubs: Which Clubs, what type of visa(s) (Tier 2, 5 or Sportsperson), and include date of issue of their most recent GBE, if known.
- Type of Application First GBE; Extension (same Club); Second or subsequent (non-consecutive with same Club); or New Employer.
An individual’s playing or coaching history and evidence is required to prove that they meet the requirements set out in the relevant criteria. This must also be attached with the application letter.
PLAYER VISAS
It is the responsibility of the club to ensure a player has the appropriate visa in order to be registered and, where applicable, contracted.
The RFU Foreign Player Eligibility Guide provides guidance on visa requirements for any non-UK born person wishing to play rugby in England, as well as the definition of a ‘foreign’ player in relation to potential limits in a match day squad.
The information provided above is for general information purposes only and is not considered legal advice. Whilst we do endeavour to ensure the information provided is correct, no guarantee is given to certify the accuracy of this information. The RFU accepts no responsibility for the information contained in this guidance and excludes any liability for the information provided or for action taken based on this information.
