Rugby Law Conference 2024

London, 20 February 2024 - Hosted by RPC in the city of London, the Rugby Law Conference showcased a full day of engaging interactive panel discussions focusing on the modern legal challenges impacting the world of rugby. Attendees had opportunities for networking throughout the day, enriching their experience and allowing them to foster valuable connections.

Topics Covered

The key topics covered throughout the day of panel discussions included:

• Reshaping the culture of Rugby Union
• Rule Changes, Agents Regulations & Sustainability
• Leveraging Commercial Opportunities
• Innovation & Breakthrough Technologies
• New Business Models, Investment & Growing Participation

Panels & Speakers

The conference featured 20 expert speakers, who shared their invaluable expertise and insight into the contemporary legal issues impacting rugby.

Panel 1 - Reshaping the culture of Rugby Union

• Ruth Kennedy, Barrister, 11 KBW
• Wayne Barnes, Retired International Rugby Union Referee and Partner, Squire Patton Boggs
• Yvonne Nolan, General Counsel, Federation, World Rugby
• Jane Purdon, Women in Football, Director, and Premiership Rugby Sporting Commission Member
• Richard Whittam KC, Matrix Chambers & Head of RFU Judiciary

Panel 2 - Rule Changes, Agents Regulations & Sustainability

• Richard Liddell KC, Barrister, 4 New Square
• Angela McCracken, Head of Legal & Governance, Scottish Rugby Union
• Omar Hassanein, CEO, International Rugby Players Association
• Brian Hammond, Legal Counsel, World Rugby
• Darren Bailey, Former IRB Director of Legal and Legislative Affairs and Director of Football Governance and Regulation at The FA

Panel 3 - Leveraging Commercial Opportunities

• Josh Charalambous, Partner, RPC
• Samantha Hammonds, General Counsel, Premiership Rugby
• Lucy Englander, Commercial Director, Saracens
• Malcolm Wall, Chairman, Professional Rugby Board, WRU, and Chairman of River Media Partners

Panel 4 - Innovation & Breakthrough Technologies

• Brian Moore, Daily Telegraph columnist
• Damian Smith, Chief Technology Officer, Podium Analytics

Panel 5 - New Business Models, Investment & Growing Participation

• Neil Brown, Partner, RPC
• Belinda Moore, CEO, Premiership Women's Rugby
• Gillian Treasurer, Director of Legal & Governance, British & Irish Lions
• Jon Walters, Partner, Northridge

Networking Opportunities

Attendees were provided with the opportunity to network with peers, make new professional connections, and share ideas during designated networking intervals and between sessions, with an evening networking drinks reception.

Personally, I enjoyed networking with colleagues and cultivate new connections with industry experts throughout the day.

Closing Remarks

It was great to see all the attendees at the conference. I found pleasure in learning more about the latest advancements in rugby and deepening my understanding of the modern legal challenges affecting the industry.

A heartfelt thank you is owed to RPC for their exceptional hospitality, and to the LawInSport team for their monumental dedication leading up to the event.