Are players finally being listened to? In a lengthy statement, World Rugby, through their chairman Brett Robinson, announced new recommendations to protect player welfare. An increasingly central question in rugby, as in football for that matter. The decision follows several incidents and recurring discussions about the injury risks linked to repeated collisions during elite matches. Note that these new guidelines will apply to both men’s and women’s competitions.

Among them, the world governing body recommends playing no more than 30 matches in a single season or “six consecutive weeks of matches“. During the off-season, a five-week break is also recommended. “Being entitled to minimum rest periods of at least one week if they are selected for international matches” and “having 12 non-contact weeks each year” are the other guidelines issued by World Rugby.

A punishing calendar

“The guidelines are based on scientific evidence or, in the absence of existing studies, on expert opinion. They take a precautionary approach to player load in all circumstances, in line with World Rugby’s existing player welfare policies“, the statement specifies.

A good thing, especially when you realise the relentless rhythm of a professional player’s calendar, between championship matches, the European Cup and, for some, the various tours, test matches and the Six Nations.