International Clearance

If you wish to play rugby in any Union other than the one you are currently registered with you must obtain permission to make the change. This permission is known as “International Clearance” and such clearance is granted by your current Union and then approved by your new Union. The process is further explained below.

The World Rugby Regulation

World Rugby has issued a Regulation setting out the basic clearance process which must be followed by all Unions.

WR Regulation 4 : Player Status, Player Contracts and Player Movement

Scottish Rugby’s Regulation

Scottish Rugby has adopted the WR Regulation into its own domestic regulations and it will be applied in respect of all players transferring into and out of our jurisdiction. All those within the Scottish Rugby Union’s jurisdiction are required to comply with this Regulation.

SDR 4.2: Clearance to Play in Another Union

Clearance Process

Guidance as to how to go about obtaining International Clearance for a player can be found below:

Players looking to come into Scotland (Incoming Players)

Players looking to move out of Scotland (Outgoing Players)

Students and military personnel looking to register with two Unions (Dual Registered Players)

Incoming Players: Latest News

New Requirements in Relation to Clearance Process

From 1 July 2016 clubs are required to provide additional information in order to have their incoming player clearance applications processed. A standard form is available for this purpose:

Request for Scottish Rugby to Process Incoming Clearance

Please note that under Scottish Rugby's player registration procedures, the incoming player will not be eligible to play in Scotland until the clearance process is complete and Scottish Rugby has recorded his/her reference number on the player registration system. 

Frequently Asked Questions

International Clearance can be a complex area. To assist those looking to change Union we have prepared a summary of Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact details

If you can't find the information you're looking for, have a specific query or require assistance processing a Clearance please email [email protected] .

If you wish to report a concern relating to an International Clearance, or to appeal a decision with respect to a Clearance, please contact Scottish Rugby's Head of Regulation, Graham Ireland, at [email protected] or 0131 346 5004. All enquiries will be treated as confidential.