Complete Your Club’s First Aid Risk Assessment
To remain compliant with RFU Regulation 9 (Player Safety), all clubs must complete an annual First Aid Risk Assessment and update the Player Welfare / RugbySafe section in GMS.
The usual completion window is 1 July to 30 September. However, due to delays at the start of the season and this being the first year of the revised process, the deadline has been extended to 31 October.
What’s New for 2026-27?
- The Player Welfare / RugbySafe section in GMS has been simplified.
- Completion of this section is now a mandatory part of the Regulation 9 compliance process.
Why It Matters
A current First Aid Risk Assessment helps ensure a safe rugby environment and is a key part of player welfare. Clubs that fail to complete the process within the required timeframe may be subject to sanctions.
Make It Easy with the Howden Risk Assessment Tool
The RFU has partnered with Howden to provide a free, easy-to-use Risk Assessment Tool, fully integrated within GMS.
Completing the assessment through the tool automatically generates:
- A completed risk assessment
- A prioritised action plan
- Links to relevant guidance and resources
Don’t forget to complete the Player Welfare / RugbySafe page in GMS to confirm your club has completed its First Aid Risk Assessment and to update other key player welfare information.
Clubs choosing not to use the Howden tool must upload their completed First Aid Risk Assessment directly to the Player Welfare / RugbySafe section in GMS.
Useful Links
Please note: Users require GMS Level 3 access or above to access the tool.
This requirement applies to the community game and is out of scope for Premiership Rugby, PWR and the Men’s Championship.