Rugby clubs are responsible for ensuring players have appropriate visas to be registered and, where applicable, contracted with a rugby club in England.
The RFU Foreign Player Eligibility Guide guides visa requirements for any non-UK-born person wishing to play rugby in England, and the definition of a ‘foreign’ player for allowable 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.
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 Unions in the British Isles and Ireland have set the applicable 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 English Women’s Premier 15s League, English Men’s Premiership or the English Men’s Championship
A club must first obtain a Sponsor License, which is valid for four years. Once obtained they subsequently apply for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) for a particular individual whom they want to employ.
A GBE is an approval from the RFU that the individual applying, who 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 go to the following website links to learn more and understand the process:
To learn more about Governing Body Endorsements:
- RFU Women's GBE Criteria
Please see the link below to the men’s GBE criteria which has been updated with effect from 5 January 2023. The changes are highlighted within the document and were prompted by changes agreed between the Home Office and other Home Unions. In order to ensure consistency across all Home Unions and having consulted with clubs, the RFU has also adopted such changes. Should you have any questions, please contact mensplayerregistration@rfu.com.
- RFU Men's GBE Criteria
To apply for a GBE, please email an application letter to the relevant mailbox mensplayerregistration@rfu.com or womensplayerregistration@rfu.com , as well as the required applicable evidence documents. 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 RFU GBE Criteria Guide. 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 the allowable limits in a match day squad.
- RFU Player Eligibility Grid & Foreign Player Definition
