Players moving to an English club from a club in another Union must confirm they have obtained an international clearance as required by World Rugby Regulation 4.

Outgoing Clearance (leaving England)

When leaving England, players initiate their international clearance request via their GMS account.

Club Registrars must permit the release of a player seeking international clearance.

Incoming Clearance (when moving to England)

Each rugby Union has its own international clearance process. Applications for players moving to a club in England (incoming clearance) should be organised with the player's current club and the Union in which the club is based. Club Registrars must contact the player's current Union to confirm their international clearance process.  

Once the process has been completed, the approved clearance will be sent directly to the RFU International Clearances Team. If you experience delays when dealing with other Unions, contact clearances@rfu.com

We recommend that players complete this process before leaving their current Union. The RFU can only accept approved clearances directly from other Unions.

The RFU will notify Premiership, Championship, National League and Premiership Women’s Rugby Clubs once an approved international clearance has been received.