BUCS Rugby Union Regulations – updated

An update to the BUCS (Universities and Colleges) Rugby Union Regulations was issued on 6th October. A copy of the regulations can be downloaded from the BUCS website. A key point is that the regulations differ depending on the competition tier for both men’s and women’s teams. More

RFU Community Cups Regulations

Here is the link to the RFU Community Cups Regulations. The Regulations cover how the result of a match is determined in the event of the scores being level at full-time. More

England Rugby Match Official Handbook 2025/26

The RFU's England Rugby Match Official Handbook 2025/26 is now available. Michael Patz, RFU Match Official Development Manager, said   "... (the handbook is) a living document that will be updated throughout the season as new information becomes available or additional needs arise." He also highlighted, by way of a ... More

Andy Dawson – An Obituary

Andy joined the Society in 1999 and was a very well-liked and dedicated member. I want to thank Chris Meadows, a fellow member and long-time friend of Andy, for preparing the following obituary. Paul Houston Chairman Manchester & District Rugby Union Referees' Society         Andy ... More

New PO paper published – July 2025 Law changes

At the April meeting, Andy McMillan introduced the latest Preferred Options (PO) paper: PO#30 – Implementing law changes EFFECTIVE FROM 1st JULY 2025 Please note that these changes do not apply to the remaining matches for this season (2024/25). The full series of POs is listed here.     More

Community Game Future (CGF) and Community Game Spend

The documents referenced below for download address two of the questions that were raised at the recent RFU roadshows and have been sent to all clubs by the RFU: Where is the £30m Community Rugby budget spent? What are the main themes and initiatives that underpin the Community Game of the Future? RFU Documen... More

An update from RFU Board Interim Chair, Sir Bill Beaumont

RFU Board Interim Chair, Sir Bill Beaumont, has issued an update at the halfway point on the RFU roadshow of English Clubs. Click here to read his report. More

RFU Competition Updates and Reminders

The RFU have published updates and reminders for its competitions. The information was circulated to clubs and referee societies. Of most relevance to referees is the section on the "man-off" regulation. More

Allan Townsend – A Tribute

Allan Townsend 1934 -2024 Allan’s service to his Club, Fylde RFC, together with some biographical details, are recorded in programme notes written to mark Allan’s 50 years of service to the Club. They can be found here on the Fylde website and are well worth the read. What follows is a tribute to Allan’s service ... More

Message from RFRU: Update Webinar / Discipline Conference/ Election of Officers

Message from: Dr Adam White, Hon. Secretary, Rugby Football Referees Union (RFRU) To: Society Officers and Members January Update Webinar The RFRU will be hosting an update webinar on Monday 13th January 2025 at 19.00. To register, please visit: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpce6orzMtHdxPLcoOWGr2m5wJAChMG... More