The Rugby Football Union and World Rugby want to protect the integrity of the game by ensuring that all matches are contested on a level playing field and are won on merit. That means that if you work in or are otherwise involved in professional or semi-professional rugby you:
- DO NOT bet on any rugby match (or ask anyone to place a bet for you) anywhere in the world.
- DO NOT misuse or pass on inside information e.g. details of injuries, selection, etc. if not already public knowledge. Be careful on social media! (What is Inside Information? – see below)
- DO NOT accept money or gifts from anyone who is betting on rugby or in return for giving inside information or underperforming in a match.
- DO NOT fix or attempt to fix any part of a match
- REPORT any approach, activity or anything suspicious or unusual that comes to your attention
These rules cover everyone involved in the professional game – including all international players, all Premiership players, all Championship players, all Academy players and all other contracted players. It also applies to agents, match officials, disciplinary personnel, coaches, analysts, health professionals, selectors, academy personnel, team officials, and owners, directors and personnel of Unions, clubs, rugby bodies and associations, involved in professional or semi-professional rugby.
The following are also prohibited:
- Fixing a match or attempting to fix a match
- Benefitting from failing to perform
- Soliciting, inducing encouraging (or attempting to) any other party to do any of the above offences
- Posing a threat to the integrity of rugby
- Destruction of evidence in relation to a potential breach
- Failing to report suspicions or approaches
The full RFU Anti-Corruption Regulations are available to download here:
USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES
The continued integrity of the game relies on those who love and work in the sport to be vigilant and responsible. If you are approached, see or hear anything suspicious or would like to discuss any concerns, please tell someone by contacting:
You can speak up via emailing the Speak up Hotline via, SpeakUp@RFU.com. For more information, please visit the Speak Up Page on the RFU website;
OR
Speak to another RFU official, your coach, team manager or club/RFU/PRL/NCA official.
World Rugby, the global governing body of Rugby Union also has an area of its website dedicated to integrity related matters where can find more information on this topic: www.integrity.worldrugby.org
The RFU works closely with the ‘Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU)’ who are based within the Gambling Commission. For more information on the SBIU, please visit www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
The RFU is also an active member of the Sports Integrity Betting Forum. The Sports Betting Integrity Forum (the Forum) (SBIF), originally called the Tripartite Forum, was established in 2012 to develop Britain's approach to protecting sport and sports betting being corrupted. It brings together representatives from sports governing bodies, betting operators, sport and betting trade associations, law enforcement and gambling regulation. The Forum is part of Britain's national platform to address the risks of match-fixing and threats to sports betting integrity.
The purpose of the Forum is to support and coordinate partners' individual and collective efforts in developing Britain's Action Plan for protecting integrity in sport and sports betting. It keeps pace with the increasing complexities, such as international influences, focusing on prevention, disruption and deterrents. This approach reflects the belief that match-fixing presents a major and continuing challenge for the governance, culture, reputation and operational capabilities of sports and sports betting operators.
For more information on the SBIF, please visit www.sbif.uk
