Rugby

Many sportspeople use companies as part of their means of receiving remuneration or compensation from brand deals, including for the management of their image rights. We assist with company management and compliance, incorporation, constitutional documents and more. We also deal with IR35 arrangements through limited companies.

Sportspeople can be subject to serious allegations, whether personally, in the media or by CPS that can have a detrimental impact on their reputations. We assist with crisis management across a range of potential arenas including defamation, invasion of privacy, criminal allegations, regulatory issues (licence suspensions) and more.

We work with players, coaches, staff and clubs to review contracts and settlement agreements.

We provide discreet, efficient personal and family legal advice for high-profile individuals across sport.

Many clubs are facing serious financial difficulties. The past few years have seen significant clubs facing liquidation and being suspended from the game, causing uncertainty for clubs and players. We not only assist in relation to insolvency law, but also redundancies, debt and equity finance arrangements.

With plans to reform the RFU underway, we can advise national governing bodies and on the regulatory impact of these governance changes.

Workplace issues in rugby can soon become the subject of unwanted media attention and speculation. We’re well-versed in assisting with disciplinaries and grievances, complaints of workplace discrimination, reproductive health in the workplace and other employment-related issues.

Increased commercialisation and brand deals mean that image rights hold immense financial value. We work with players who want to prevent third parties from taking advantage of their image and brand.

We support sportspeople moving to the UK with additional support in obtaining visas.

Many rugby clubs — particularly those below the elite level — are unincorporated, which may carry risks. We're able to advise on incorporating your club and putting in place appropriate constitutional documents to run the club effectively.

A serious issue that is getting more attention is CTE resulting from concussive and sub-concussive blows in rugby. With an increasing number of legal actions being brought by players against clubs and national governing bodies, we’re on-hand to assist on either side. Many players are also taking legal steps to protect themselves and their families if they’re affected by CTE and their mental capacity is limited, which we can facilitate.

This may be a claim or complaint regarding personal injury or clinical negligence being brought by a player/former player or against a club/national governing body. We advise on both negligence claims and the reputational damage that may result.

Many clubs have ground-sharing arrangements in place, including several of our current clients. We can offer a wide range of services in this area.

With ever more young people getting involved in rugby, it’s important for clubs, schools and other organisations to implement appropriate safeguards to prevent abuse and exploitation. We’ve advised national governing bodies on safeguarding on a significant scale and as part of national projects.

Employment law is fast-moving area, so it’s important that workplace policies are constantly reviewed and updated. This is particularly the case in rugby where regulatory requirements are imposed by national and international governing bodies. These include policies around reproductive health, player welfare, concussions and flexible working.