World Rugby rolls out new rules to protect players from burnout and injury

World Rugby sets new guidelines for players

World Rugby has announced fresh regulations designed to limit how much time players spend on the field, with the goal of safeguarding their long-term health.

The global body says the new approach will help balance performance demands with player welfare, addressing both physical and mental strain.

The guidelines, which apply to men’s and women’s rugby, were put together by a panel of experts, including unions, tournament organisers, regional representatives, and players themselves.

According to World Rugby, the measures are “supported by scientific evidence” and follow a “precautionary approach to player welfare.”

Among the key rules, players will be restricted to a maximum of 30 matches per season, with no more than six consecutive weeks of play.

They will also be required to take at least five weeks off during the off-season, enjoy 12 weeks of non-contact activity annually, and be granted at least one week of rest when called up for international duty.

Clearer communication between clubs and national teams has also been stressed.

The regulations are expected to create a safety net in cases where no local workload agreements are in place, and compliance will be mandatory for tournaments like the upcoming Nations Championship set for 2026.

South Africa’s national side has already been implementing careful workload management by rotating players and giving more squad members opportunities on the field.

This strategy has allowed the Springboks to maintain top-level performance while reducing the risk of fatigue and injuries, something World Rugby hopes will become the standard worldwide.