Rugby player insurance

Rugby tackle in progress

How players are protected

Whether playing, training or practising, it’s all too easy for an injury to occur.

A rugby injury could prevent you from working, and if you’re self-employed or on a contract without sick pay, this could leave you with a reduced income and financial pressures. 

We’ve got players covered if the worst happens. Players at RFU affiliated clubs are protected with public liability insurance and personal accident insurance. This is automatically arranged by the RFU.

A player who got a serious arm injury while playing couldn’t continue with his usual job as a chef. He received a £50,000 insurance payout, which he used to adapt his home to his new circumstances and retrain in a new role.

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 rugby 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. 

Two rugby players shaking hands in good sportsmanship

What is personal accident insurance? 

Rugby's 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 who 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 directly 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)

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 for rugby union players, staff, and officials.

Policy documents

Family of one man and three children walking by a river, with one child on his shoulders.

Protect your income

Income protection insurance helps replace lost income if you can't work due to injury or illness – and it doesn’t just cover sports injuries. You can buy this cover on top of your automatic RFU insurance.

Tell me more

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.