World Rugby Implements Global Player Workload Limits Ahead of 2026 Nations Championship

World Rugby has introduced new player workload guidelines aimed at enhancing player welfare by limiting professional rugby players to a maximum of 30 games per season and no more than six consecutive weeks of play. The guidelines also require a mandatory five-week off-season, minimum one-week rest periods after international fixtures, and 12 weeks of non-contact time annually. These changes, endorsed by scientific research and expert opinion, seek to reduce injury and concussion risks and provide a framework for better coordination between clubs and international teams. The regulations are a condition for the launch of the inaugural Nations Championship in 2026, a biennial 12-team competition featuring top rugby nations. The International Rugby Players Association and other stakeholders have welcomed the reforms as a landmark moment prioritizing player safety and long-term health. World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson emphasized the guidelines as a solid backstop while hoping for locally tailored agreements to support players' individual circumstances.