RugbySafe, supported by Simplyhealth, is the RFU’s overarching player safety and wellbeing programme, putting player welfare at the heart of the game and covering how the game should be organised and managed to ensure that rugby is played in a safe and enjoyable environment.
We know that prevention is better than cure. RugbySafe provides guidance and resources for all rugby activity organisers on what needs to be in place. Together with Simplyhealth, we recognise that mental and physical wellbeing go hand in hand with developing a positive player welfare culture and keeping the rugby community healthy.
Clubs and all organisers of rugby activities have a responsibility towards the health and safety of players, staff and volunteers. Appropriate measures for training, first aid provision and equipment should be in place to ensure that rugby union is delivered to the highest standards in a safe and enjoyable environment.
RugbySafe Toolkits
The RugbySafe Toolkits are a series of online and downloadable resources designed to provide information and guidance on various player welfare topics and provides information and guidance to support clubs and other rugby activity organisers in delivering best practice.
Being RugbySafe is the ‘Ultimate RugbySafe’ document. It provides an overview of all the different areas of RugbySafe.
‘10 Steps to Being RugbySafe’
Roles and responsibilities of clubs and other rugby activity organisers.
To ensure you provide a safe and enjoyable playing environment, this guidance is deemed best practice. It recommends that clubs and other activity organisers implement these practices and policies where possible.
To support rugby activity organisers fulfill their responsibilities Howden, the RFU insurance provider, have provided a risk assessment tool for clubs.
Information on this role and how clubs can support it. Clubs should identify a Club RugbySafe Lead to ensure the club meets its responsibilities for the welfare of players and it is compliant with Regulation 9.
Each Constituent Body (CB) also has a RugbySafe Lead. This individual leads on improving player safety standards and delivering player welfare projects at CB level. They also support local clubs to increase awareness and understanding of Regulation 9 compliance, RugbySafe and other player welfare topics.
If you are a Club RugbySafe Lead and not in touch with your CB RugbySafe Lead, please contact them (their details should be available via the CB’s own website or GMS profile).
This includes five sections, each providing information on related player welfare topics and frequently asked questions:
Section 1: Clothing & Equipment
Section 2: First Aid Provision (Facilities, Equipment & Treatment)
Section 3: Medical conditions
Section 4: Forms & Templates
Section 5: Useful Links
Clubs and rugby activity providers should have a Medical Emergency Action Plan (MEAP) in place to identify needs and protocols in an emergency situation.
A MEAP should consider all those involved and provide a simple, safe and systematic approach to ensure that any emergencies can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
It is important that the MEAP is effectively communicated to coaches, first aiders and any others who would be involved in the incident management during an emergency.
There are more than 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests across the UK every year but less than one in ten people survive. The more defibrillators that are accessible, and the more people trained in how to use them, the better the chance of survival for someone who suddenly collapses from a cardiac arrest.
Clubs and other rugby activity providers may want to consider getting an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), especially if they are a hub for community activity. An AED on site may prove a lifesaver, as the potential for saving a life is dependent on time: the faster medical help is administered, the better the chance of survival.
Video: England Men’s Team undertake training to highlight the importance of knowing CPR and the use of an AED.
Guidance and information for clubs and other rugby activity organisers on recommended pitch-side provision for first aid/immediate care provision.
This applies to both training and matches across the different levels and age-groups in the community game.
Community Rugby: An Introduction to First Aid & Immediate Care Pitchside Provision
Community Rugby: Pitchside First Aid Immediate Care Provision for Training & Matches
Emergency First Aider & Immediate Care Practitioner Role Information
Healthcare Professional and Allied Healthcare Professional Information
Information on first aid training including the Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union (EFARU) course, and other relevant qualifications that are accepted and recognised for EFAs covering rugby activity.
EFARU Course Details for 2024-25 season:
Duration: One Day (6.5 hours) or Split Course (2 x 3 hours)
Price: £55 per person
Minimum Learner Age: 18 years old
A club, school, college or university can organise an EFARU course. To do so, visit
the EFARU tutor map and following the process within the EFARU course booking chart.
To attend the course, an e-learning pre-course module must be completed.
To run a course a min. of 8 learners is required, with a max. of 12. Where clubs don’t have the min. numbers, the course can be opened up to other clubs/members of the public.
Visit England Rugby Course Finder to find available spaces in a course near you.
