9. Availability of Players

World Rugby Handbook

REGULATION 9 REGULATION 9. AVAILABILITY OF PLAYERS Preamble A. High quality international Rugby is in the best interests of the sport at all levels. It promotes the sport and encourages new participants and support for the sport around the world and at all levels. International Rugby is a major public interest and it is in the best interests of the public that the best teams and Players represent their Unions. The retention of high quality international Rugby benefits Players because it fulfils their aspirations to play at the highest level of the sport. The selection of the best Players for international Rugby also represents the fairest selection system as it is based on playing merit. Rugby Bodies and Clubs benefit if Players play international Rugby as it improves the quality and experience of Players, increases their value and enhances commercial returns in respect of merchandising, broadcast, sponsorship and gates thereby contributing to the interests of the Rugby Body or Club that Player represents. The development of the sport is enhanced and furthered as a result of the generation of funds from international Rugby for reinvestment in the sport. B. A Union must therefore be able to select and have available the Players it requires for International Matches and to build and develop team strategies in National Squad sessions in order to ensure that the quality and integrity of international Rugby is maintained. The future development and extension of the sport at all levels and throughout the world would be threatened if a Union was not able to select and have available the Players it requires. C. World Rugby and Unions recognise that the Right to Release for Matches should be exercised reasonably and with due regard to the proper interests of the welfare of Players and other relevant entities who may be affected. This Regulation 9 reflects this balance, accommodates the difference in arrangements and sport structure from Union to Union and respects the position of Rugby Bodies and Clubs whilst recognising the fundamental role that international Rugby plays in the development of the sport worldwide. The Regulation has also been prepared on the basis that in light of the nature and physicality of the Game Players should have appropriate rest, recuperation and recovery opportunities so that when they participate in the Game they are able to do so at their best. D. This Regulation 9 has been prepared on the basis of the current/projected World Rugby schedule of International Matches, International Tours and International Tournaments and the periods during which such International Matches, International Tours and International Tournaments shall take place. For the avoidance of doubt, this Regulation 9 does not in any way limit the effect and/or application of World Rugby Regulation 16. E. Spirit of implementation In the best interests of the sport at all levels Regulation 9 must be implemented by all stakeholders properly and in good faith. Compliance Last update: 14 January, 2015 155


World Rugby Handbook
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