Rugby

Proud to support rugby players, clubs and governing bodies with tailored legal advice and representation.

In this section

Rugby’s evolving commercial, regulatory and financial landscape presents a number of complex competitive challenges for professional players, clubs and the sport’s governing bodies.

We have the experience and expertise to support both codes with a variety of legal issues faced by those involved in the game, providing bespoke, strategic and commercially focussed sector specific advice and representation.

In recent times, professional rugby in England and Wales has been under extreme scrutiny and pressure, with established clubs facing serious financial difficulties and falling into administration. This can lead to both players and staff receiving little notice of the termination of their employment.

With widespread calls for radical reform and realignment of the sport’s commercial, governance, employment and strategic relationships, it is likely only a matter of time before those involved with both codes will need to navigate a raft of procedural changes to support long-term sustainable growth.

Player welfare is a central concern for both rugby league and rugby union with each discussing the protocols and procedures in place to deal with health risks posed to their players, particularly in relation to concussion and tackle height.

Although the evidence of the impact of rugby on players’ psychological and psychiatric wellbeing has influenced stakeholders to tighten concussion rules, many are calling for further changes. The changes in these regulations not only impact the health and fitness of players, they also have ramifications for the liability of the clubs and leagues.

Recognised as a top-tier firm in The Legal 500 2025

Meet the team

Our expertise

Navigating these complex and high-risk issues is fundamental to the survival and growth of rugby and having the right legal advisers who understand the market is key.

For over 30 years our experienced and multidisciplinary sports law team has supported rugby players, clubs and governing bodies alike with tailored advice and representation, assisting them to achieve their desired outcomes.

We support clients with issues related to sport specific regulatory compliance and arbitration, immigration, insolvency and restructuring, commercial contracts, intellectual property, litigation, employment contracts and tribunals, safeguarding, property law, private client and family law, charity law and banking and finance.

Our team is also committed to educating the sector and we provide training to in-house teams, and welfare officers to support them in meeting their specific goals.

We proudly work both domestically and internationally with a number of high-profile rugby union and rugby league clubs, managers, coaches, and players.

“Acting on some of the UK’s most high-profile casework propelled Brabners to post its sixth consecutive year of growth... its sports law team has acted for Coleen Rooney in the now infamous 'Wagatha Christie' libel case and England cricket captain Ben Stokes and supported several infrastructure projects in keeping with the national focus on levelling up, including Everton Football Club’s new 53,000-seater stadium.”

The Times Best Law Firms 2024

“Brabners maintains its stellar reputation for handling the full scope of sports mandates concerning sporting events, the eligibility and inclusion of transgender athletes and claims involving racism charges and libel.”

The Legal 500 2025

“We’ve worked with Brabners since 2019 for our dedicated Legal & Tax helpline. Brabners has provided excellent management of the helpline, offering our LTA Registered Venues and County & Island Associations access to legal advice from an extremely knowledgeable and experienced team. During this time, Brabners provided an invaluable service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to work with us to add value to the services the LTA provides.”

Club and County Support Manager, Lawn Tennis Association

“Lydia Edgar leads the [sport] team, and is noted for her vast knowledge of the employment aspects of sport, assisting national governing bodies (NGB), owners and athletes with appointments and exit agreements.”

The Legal 500 2025

“Catherine Forshaw is a key name for both union and league rugby clients, and is known for her strong focus on UK FA and RFL anti-doping disciplinary proceedings and Safeguarding Commission proceedings.”

Legal 500 2025

“Andrew McGregor has excellent instincts and a skill for getting to grips with the key issues in a matter — very client-friendly, with excellent connections in professional football, which help reassure clients.”

The Legal 500 client feedback 2025

“Market-leading firm for sports law work.”

The Legal 500 client feedback 2025

Brabners is a purpose-led independent law firm.

Our independence allows us to be objective, principled and provide a service with heart and character.

We’re on a mission to make the difference for our clients, people and communities. Proudly anchored in the North since 1815, we serve all of England and Wales.