REGULATION 9 with not only the letter of the Regulation, but also its spirit is integral to achieving its objectives in the best interests of the sport. The implementation of the Regulation necessarily requires communication and consultation between different stakeholders particularly in regard to Player management and welfare considerations which should be addressed within the spirit of the Regulation. Areas where this may be particularly significant include, but are not limited to, medical issues, rehabilitation into participation and resumption of duty. In considering any implementation and/or enforcement scenarios World Rugby will seek to ensure that full and proper regard is had to the overriding philosophy and spirit of the Regulation in assessing the conduct of the parties concerned. Right to Release 9.1 A Union must, in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation 9, have the right to a Player’s availability for selection and appearances for a National Representative Team or National Squad of that Union, including a reasonable preparation period immediately prior to Matches, (the Right to Release for Matches) and for Squad training sessions and/or other team building activities, excluding commercial activities, (the Right to Release for Squad Sessions). 9.2 A Union, Association, Rugby Body or Club is obliged to release a Player to the Union for which the Player is eligible when selected by such Union for a National Representative Team or National Squad in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation 9. 9.3 No Union, Association, Rugby Body or Club whether by contract, conduct or otherwise may inhibit, prevent, discourage, disincentivise or render unavailable any Player from selection, attendance and appearance in a National Representative Team or National Squad session when such request for selection, attendance and appearance is made in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation 9. Any agreement and/or arrangement between a Player and a Rugby Body or Club or between a Union or an Association and a Rugby Body or Club (and/or any proposal made and/or attempted to be made howsoever communicated) which is contrary to this Regulation 9.3 is prohibited, including, but not limited to any agreement and/or arrangement and/or proposal pursuant to which a Player is (or would be) unable to exercise the right to play for a Union. 9.4 Subject to Regulation 9.18, no Union, Association, Rugby Body or Club may require any payment or other benefit from or impose conditions relating to a Player’s participation in a National Representative Team and/or attendance at a National Squad session of his Union when such participation and/or attendance has been requested in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation 9. When the Right to Release applies 9.5 The Right to Release for Matches shall apply to Designated Release Events, Global Release Periods, Hemisphere Release Periods and from June 1, 2012 to the Four Nations Release Period. Last update: 14 January, 2015 156
World Rugby Handbook
To see the actual publication please follow the link above