Insurance for constituent bodies

Rugby players clapping the man of the match

How constituent bodies are protected

A constituent body can be an association, or a combination of clubs, schools or universities, designated in accordance with RFU Rules. Constituent bodies operate between the RFU and rugby clubs, helping to uphold standards of safeguarding and discipline in the sport.

If that sounds like you, it’s vital to check what insurance you already have, and what else you might want to consider. The RFU has arranged automatic combined liability insurance for constituent bodies in England. Combined liability insurance includes:

  • Public liability and product liability insurance
  • Professional indemnity insurance
  • Employers' liability insurance
  • Directors’ and officers’ insurance

RFU combined liability policy summary

Public liability insurance

Public liability insurance covers legal and compensation costs if someone from your constituent body accidentally injures a third party or damages their property, and a claim is made against them. 

You’re automatically covered for £25m for every claim made against your organisation or your people. This may be, for example, administrators or managers. It covers a range of activities, including working with other organisations, meetings, social or fundraising events, or administrative. You’ll only pay an excess (of £250) if the claim is for property damage. 

This policy also includes:

  • Product liability insurance: This covers the cost of compensating someone who’s injured by a faulty product you supply (such as food and drink). There’s a £25m limit for any individual claim and in total for the policy year.
  • Member-to-member cover: This offers protection if a member of your constituent body injures another member, or damages their property, and a claim is made against them.
  • Participant-to-participant cover: This provides protection if a rugby participant accidentally injures a third party, or damages their property.

It also covers other liabilities, including allegations of abuse and legionellosis. You can find a full list in the policy documents.

Of course, everyone at your organisation should take reasonable steps not to cause injury or financial loss to others, or damage to their property. 

Professional indemnity insurance

Offering guidance and advice to clubs and other organisations come with risks. That’s why RFU constituent bodies are protected by professional indemnity insurance arranged by the RFU. 

This covers the legal and compensation costs if someone accuses you of mistakes that have caused them loss. It also includes defamation cover for allegations of harming someone’s reputation. 

Employers’ liability insurance 

This insurance protects your organisation if a current or former employee has a work-related illness or injury and makes a claim against you. If this happens, the insurance steps in to cover legal and any compensation costs awarded. This includes claims by your volunteers and trainees.

You are automatically covered with £10m of employers’ liability insurance for every claim (£5m for acts of terrorism). You’ll find the certificate of this insurance in the Policy & document hub. 

Directors’ and officers’ insurance

Your key people are personally responsible for claims made against them for a breach of duty in their role. This could be your chairperson, secretary, and treasurer, for example. Risks covered include:

  • Mismanagement of finances
  • Not complying with fire safety regulations
  • Corporate manslaughter

They are protected up to a maximum of £2m for any individual claim and in total for the policy year. 

For full details of what's included in the combined liability policy, contact us. You can also find confirmation of cover and more in the Policy & document hub. 

Rugby insurance for property, players' loss of income, and team tours isn't included. If you'd like this extra protection, we can help.

Girl throwing rugby ball

What events and activities are covered?

Activities your combined liability insurance covers include rugby, as well as social, fundraising, and commercial ventures organised by your constituent body. 

This includes:

  • Fetes and fairs
  • Barbecues
  • Quiz nights
  • Club houses
  • Parties and discos
  • Car park rental
  • Family fun days
  • Weddings and funerals
  • Temporary caravan sites

You’re not covered for motorsports, flying or airborne sports, or watersports involving powered craft or specialist equipment.

Specific events and activities you're not covered for include:

  • Projectile sports and outdoor or adventurous activities
  • Flying, gliding, parachuting, abseiling, bungee jumping, and skydiving
  • Jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving, canoeing, white water rafting, and powerboating
  • Quad biking, motorcycling, and motorsport
  • Soap box derbies
  • Caving  and potholing
  • Pony trekking and donkey derby
  • Snowboarding and sledging
  • Assault course and survival training
  • Inflatables and bouncy castles

However, this exclusion doesn’t apply if your club is only providing a venue for these activities.

If you’re organising larger events, such as the activities listed below, let us know so we can make sure you're covered. 

  • Rugby match or festival where you are expecting more than 2,000 spectators
  • Age group representative match
  • County or divisional championship
  • Social or commercial activities likely to attract more than 1,000 participants
  • Funfair
  • Music festival
  • Waterborne activities, such as boat or raft racing 
  • Bonfire parties and fireworks that don’t comply with the insurer’s risk management guidance

Organising an event? Remember your risk assessment

If you’re planning an event you need to talk to us about, we’ll ask for a valid risk assessment. This should show you’ve considered the associated hazards and have plans in place so the activity happens as safely as possible.  

If you hire out facilities to a third party, you are insured as the venue provider. But check that third-party organisations have public liability Insurance in place. Also confirm who’s responsible for completing their risk assessments.

Take a look at our risk management guides for advice on event risk management and more. 

Policy documents

Want more cover?

Add extra cover approved by the RFU at special rates

Risk management guidance

We're always here to help

Do you have an existing policy with Howden?

For rugby insurance enquiries, call 0121 698 8001. Alternatively, ask your question below and we'll be in touch.

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What to do if you are experiencing financial difficulties

We recognise that the current economic conditions are putting pressure on many households and businesses. At Howden, we are committed to finding ways to assist our customers who may require additional support during these times.

If you’re currently facing financial difficulty, please speak to us about your insurance policies by:-

-contacting your Howden Service Team; 
-calling Howden on 020 7623 3806;
-using the Enquiry form.