Insurance for rugby players

How players are protected

Players at RFU affiliated clubs are covered by Public Liability insurance and Personal Accident insurance. This is automatically arranged by the RFU.

What is Public Liability insurance?

Public Liability insurance covers legal and compensation costs if a player accidentally injures someone, or damages their property, and a claim is made against them. This third party could be another player, a referee, or a spectator, for example. 

Claims for damages can run to millions of pounds for severe injuries, so it’s an important type of financial protection.

What’s covered?

Recreational players at RFU affiliated clubs are automatically covered with up to £25m of Public Liability insurance for every claim. This includes:

• Member-to-member cover, if a player accidentally injures a member of their club or damages their property, on or off the pitch. 
• Participant-to-participant cover, if a player accidentally injures someone from a different club or damages their property.
• Cover for other liabilities, including allegations of abuse.

For a full list of what's covered, contact us. 

Of course, players should take reasonable steps not to cause injury or financial loss to others, or damage to their property. 

What is Personal Accident insurance? 

Rugby is a skilled sport, but injuries can happen – and some can be life-changing. 

Personal Accident insurance is protection for players who are permanently seriously injured or die due to the sport. This can be during competitive play and training or travelling to and from rugby. If this happens, the policy pays out to help them cope financially.

What’s covered?

If players for an RFU affiliated club suffer a permanent disabling injury or die while taking part in the sport, this policy pays out direct to them. Accidents that cause catastrophic traumatic brain injury or spinal injury are also covered.   

The amount the player receives depends on the injury and its severity. For example:

• Death: £50,000 (£20,000 for under-16s)
• Permanent total disability from usual occupation: £50,000
• Permanent total disability from any occupation: £300,000
• Losing (or losing use of) both limbs, eyes, or hearing in both ears: £100,000
• Losing (or losing use of) a limb, eye, or hearing in one ear: £25,000
• Hospitalisation: £25 for each 24 hours spent in hospital, up to £1,000 (for a disabling injury, players are paid the largest eligible benefit)

Need to know

There’s a different RFU scheme for players who suffer catastrophic traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. They are covered for up to £300,000, with extra support from the RFU Injured Players Foundation. 

What’s not covered?

This policy doesn’t cover sickness or injury due to a medical condition, or loss of income if you're temporarily injured and can't work.

Learn more about Personal Accident insurance.

Policy documents

• Personal Accident insurance policy wording
• For Public Liability insurance policy wording, contact us
• Policy and document hub