Players may need disclaimers

SALE Sharks players may have to sign disclaimers before returning to training over concerns the necessary insurance policies won’t be in place to cover against coronavirus claims.

It has been reported that World Rugby has issued guidelines urging clubs and unions to ensure they are adequately insured.

Richard Cramer, of Front Row Legal, said: “Clubs need to be very wary of exposing themselves to claims.

“Where I would be nervous if I was a club is just seeing what the insurance market is doing. As a club, I don’t think you can have any high degree of confidence that the existing insurance policies would indemnify the club. So potentially the clubs are taking a risk getting back on the playing field and exposing players.

“If I was in that situation I would certainly be wanting to make sure that full insurance is in place, but they might not get a decision from insurers for some time. In which case, doctors and medical teams will have to cover their own backs and there may have to be new types of disclaimers signed by the clubs and the players, because certainly a doctor would not want that level of responsibility. I’m not saying that a disclaimer would get a club out of trouble but it does make it more difficult to bring a claim. “

Meanwhile, Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan has thrown his weight behind revolutionary proposals to make rugby a contact free game at amateur level as a way back from the coronavirus crisis.

It would mean no tackling, scrummaging or mauling and, in effect, touch rugby, but McGeechan argues something needs to happen in the short term to ensure the sport and clubs can at least continue next season.