Whether you are an England international or an occasional player for your local side, going on tour is a fantastic way to build team spirit, morale and identity. It provides a rare and exciting opportunity for players and coaches to get to know each other that little bit better and helps to build teamwork both on and off the pitch. Tours often provide memories and friendships that will last a lifetime; the camaraderie and banter can be second to none.
It is important to carefully consider the aim of your tour. Will it be for development, as an opportunity to try new things in a different environment, or solely for fun and relaxation?
You must also consider the most appropriate timing for your tour and the destination, always keeping your overall aim in mind.
Alternatively, hosting a touring team provides an opportunity to play against new opposition and make new rugby contacts.
When planning a tour with another Union, whether it is travelling overseas or hosting a team from another Union, approval must be obtained in advance in accordance with RFU Regulation 10. If you’re planning a tour for children it is essential that you read our Trips, Tours, and Overnight Stays Guide and the RFU Safeguarding Policy.
Applying for permission to tour overseas (clubs)
- Download the Outgoing Tour Application form.
- Fully complete this form. You will need to obtain approval from the host Union of the country you are visiting. For this you should get assistance from your host club, or contact the host Union directly. Details of worldwide Unions can be found on the World Rugby website
- Clubs that are affiliated to the RFU will be insured by the RFU’s Death & Catastrophic injury insurance for playing rugby while on tour, providing RFU approval has been granted and your policy is up to date. Please note that this insurance does not cover temporary injury, loss of earnings, medical and legal expenses or any other type of injury not mentioned in the policy. However, you will need to obtain travel insurance (which will cover you for any repatriation costs should a player become injured during the match and need specialist travel home) and we recommend vvv this is obtained through England Rugby Insurance 0121 698 8001.
- Once completed and signed, send your application to your Constituent Body and they will either write to your Tour Manager confirming approval (providing it is correctly and fully completed), or forward to Twickenham for RFU approval. Please note it is important to keep a hard copy.
APPLYING FOR PERMISSION TO HOST AN INCOMING TOUR (CLUBS)
- Download the following incoming tour application form: Incoming Tour Application form
- Fully complete this form. You will need to obtain approval from the Union of your visiting team. The visiting team should assist you with providing this information.
- The Appendix Schedule 1 must be signed by all players and officials from the touring party who are 18 and over. This does not include parents or players who are under 18 – in this instance the coach and officials from the visiting team must sign on behalf of the players.
- Send your fully completed application to your Constihttps://rfu.widen.net/s/tsqh6xnr5n/constituent-bodiestuent Body and they will either write to your Club Official confirming approval (providing it is correctly and fully completed), or forward to Twickenham for RFU approval. Please note it is important to keep a hard copy.
APPLYING FOR PERMISSION TO TOUR OVERSEAS (SCHOOLS)
For further information please visit - here
APPLYING FOR PERMISSION TO HOST AN INCOMING TOUR (SCHOOLS)
For further information please visit - here
Cross-Border Fixtures Approval (Schools)
Any schools taking part in any rugby activity in another Union that doesn’t require an overnight stay (Scotland, Wales, Ireland) will need to apply for permission from their CSU Tour Rep. Details of who to contact in your CSU and the form to complete can be found here:
If you would like more information regarding touring, please contact the Rugby Events & Competitions Department at Twickenham via email at tourenquiries@rfu.com
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