Rugby Football Union

Private and voluntary organisations · Sport governing body

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First report 18 Mar 2022•Latest report 24 Mar 2023

Reports, concerns and published responses

Reports over time

Reports naming this recipient by issue year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Reports
2

Naming this recipient

Published responses
100%

Found for named reports

Concerns addressed
4

Across all linked responses

Stated actions
10

Described in responses

Concerns and recipient responses

Statements from Rugby Football Union linked to the concerns in each report. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. Derby and Derbyshire

    AI-generated summary

    Richard James HILL · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Richard died at a sports and recreation club after drinking alcohol throughout the day and at a rugby club awards event. He became unresponsive and could not be revived; toxicology identified a level of alcohol capable of causing death. The report raised concerns about harmful alcohol consumption in male sports and the lack of specific alcohol-misuse guidance for grassroots rugby clubs.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Rugby Football Union; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of alcohol misuse and alcohol awareness education material for grassroots rugby clubs

    Wider context from the report

    “The inquest heard evidence that some people, probably including Richard, were drinking alcohol from trophy cups at the rugby club event and that these were being topped up by various people in the course of the evening, such that the trophy cups containing mixed drinks. Post-mortem toxicological analysis of Richard’s blood and urine demonstrated a toxic level of alcohol in his system, and he had been drinking alcohol all day, including prior to the event. The inquest heard evidence that excess alcohol consumption is likely a problem across all male sports. The rugby club had received educative/campaign material from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) on issues including mental health but not specifically concerning alcohol misuse and alcohol awareness. The club is a local grassroots club, effectively run by volunteers, and it seems to me that the RFU might consider providing guidance and educative material around alcohol use that would potentially be welcome and utilised by affiliate grassroots rugby clubs and could have a positive impact on harmful drinking. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Rugby Football Union; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Excess alcohol consumption in male sports

    Wider context from the report

    “The inquest heard evidence that some people, probably including Richard, were drinking alcohol from trophy cups at the rugby club event and that these were being topped up by various people in the course of the evening, such that the trophy cups containing mixed drinks. Post-mortem toxicological analysis of Richard’s blood and urine demonstrated a toxic level of alcohol in his system, and he had been drinking alcohol all day, including prior to the event. The inquest heard evidence that excess alcohol consumption is likely a problem across all male sports. The rugby club had received educative/campaign material from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) on issues including mental health but not specifically concerning alcohol misuse and alcohol awareness. The club is a local grassroots club, effectively run by volunteers, and it seems to me that the RFU might consider providing guidance and educative material around alcohol use that would potentially be welcome and utilised by affiliate grassroots rugby clubs and could have a positive impact on harmful drinking. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Deliver the RugbySafe player safety and wellbeing programme, including alcohol-related mental wellbeing awareness and freely accessible resources.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The RFU’s RugbySafe programme, is an innovative and overarching player safety and wellbeing programme which provides resources for everyone involved in rugby. As it is recognised that issues relating to excessive alcohol consumption can sometimes be connected to mental wellbeing these issues are raised within the RugbySafe programme to promote awareness. The RFU partners with Simplyhealth and mental health charity Looseheadz to promote an open discussion around all relevant issues. Resources are available for free on the RFU website.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union
    Page 1 · response
    Published 24 March 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Keep the need for additional alcohol-awareness action under review.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Based on the information provided to us, and taking into account pre-existing work in relevant areas, the RFU proposes to take no additional specific action at this stage but we will keep this under review. The RFU is however willing to consider materials around alcohol awareness which may contribute to the societal conversation on these issues and the promotion of good health generally, including via its community game updates which are communicated regularly to clubs and participants.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union
    Page 2 · response
    Published 24 March 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Cover responsible drinking practices, where applicable, in Safeguarding Guidance.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The RFU is committed to the promotion of good health in all respects, and it supports the principle of responsible drinking. The RFU provides advice and guidance to community clubs on issues relating to the supply of alcohol/licencing, health, safety, and wellbeing, and it recommends Codes of Conduct for members of clubs to promote responsible behaviour. Responsible drinking practices are also covered, where applicable, in the RFU’s Safeguarding Guidance. All resources can be accessed for free on the RFU’s website.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union
    Page 1 · response
    Published 24 March 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide community clubs with advice and guidance on alcohol supply, licensing, health, safety and wellbeing through freely accessible resources.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The RFU is committed to the promotion of good health in all respects, and it supports the principle of responsible drinking. The RFU provides advice and guidance to community clubs on issues relating to the supply of alcohol/licencing, health, safety, and wellbeing, and it recommends Codes of Conduct for members of clubs to promote responsible behaviour. Responsible drinking practices are also covered, where applicable, in the RFU’s Safeguarding Guidance. All resources can be accessed for free on the RFU’s website.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union
    Page 1 · response
    Published 24 March 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    No additional specific action on alcohol awareness is proposed because pre-existing relevant work is considered sufficient, subject to review.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Based on the information provided to us, and taking into account pre-existing work in relevant areas, the RFU proposes to take no additional specific action at this stage but we will keep this under review. The RFU is however willing to consider materials around alcohol awareness which may contribute to the societal conversation on these issues and the promotion of good health generally, including via its community game updates which are communicated regularly to clubs and participants.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union
    Page 2 · response
    Published 24 March 2023

    Open published response

  2. Dorset

    AI-generated summary

    Emiliano Raul Sala · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Emiliano Raul Sala was a passenger on a flight from Nantes to Cardiff on 21 January 2019 when the aircraft crashed into the sea. He died from fatal head and trunk injuries; the flight was an unauthorised commercial operation. The report raised concerns about illegal flights, their safety risks, and limitations on the Civil Aviation Authority’s investigative and enforcement powers.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Rugby Football Union; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Risk of future deaths from illegal flights

    Wider context from the report

    “2. I have concerns with regard to the following: i. There could be future deaths as a result of these illegal flights, and I request that the Secretary of State for Transport conducts a review of the powers available to the CAA in investigating breaches of aviation regulations. I request that the Secretary of State for Transport consider meeting with the CAA to establish what powers they would find of assistance in their investigative and enforcement role. ii. I further request that a review is undertaken by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport of the guidance given to the general public, especially all those involved in the sporting and music worlds, about the illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them. I would again request that consideration be given to meeting with the CAA who can properly advise on the risks associated with these flights, especially of future deaths that can occur and what support may assist them in deterring people from using these flights. iii. I would request that all the organisations identified at numbers 3-20 in the list at the beginning of this report, consider cascading to all their members, and anyone else they consider will benefit from the information, the illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them, especially of a future death, in order to discourage the use of these flights. I would again request that consideration be given to liaising with the CAA who can properly advise on the risks and what support would be of benefit to reduce the use of these flights and prevent future deaths. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Rugby Football Union; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of relevant organisations to communicate illegal-flight risks to their members

    Wider context from the report

    “2. I have concerns with regard to the following: i. There could be future deaths as a result of these illegal flights, and I request that the Secretary of State for Transport conducts a review of the powers available to the CAA in investigating breaches of aviation regulations. I request that the Secretary of State for Transport consider meeting with the CAA to establish what powers they would find of assistance in their investigative and enforcement role. ii. I further request that a review is undertaken by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport of the guidance given to the general public, especially all those involved in the sporting and music worlds, about the illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them. I would again request that consideration be given to meeting with the CAA who can properly advise on the risks associated with these flights, especially of future deaths that can occur and what support may assist them in deterring people from using these flights. iii. I would request that all the organisations identified at numbers 3-20 in the list at the beginning of this report, consider cascading to all their members, and anyone else they consider will benefit from the information, the illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them, especially of a future death, in order to discourage the use of these flights. I would again request that consideration be given to liaising with the CAA who can properly advise on the risks and what support would be of benefit to reduce the use of these flights and prevent future deaths. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Rugby Football Union; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Insufficient CAA powers for investigating and enforcing aviation regulation breaches

    Wider context from the report

    “2. I have concerns with regard to the following: i. There could be future deaths as a result of these illegal flights, and I request that the Secretary of State for Transport conducts a review of the powers available to the CAA in investigating breaches of aviation regulations. I request that the Secretary of State for Transport consider meeting with the CAA to establish what powers they would find of assistance in their investigative and enforcement role. ii. I further request that a review is undertaken by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport of the guidance given to the general public, especially all those involved in the sporting and music worlds, about the illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them. I would again request that consideration be given to meeting with the CAA who can properly advise on the risks associated with these flights, especially of future deaths that can occur and what support may assist them in deterring people from using these flights. iii. I would request that all the organisations identified at numbers 3-20 in the list at the beginning of this report, consider cascading to all their members, and anyone else they consider will benefit from the information, the illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them, especially of a future death, in order to discourage the use of these flights. I would again request that consideration be given to liaising with the CAA who can properly advise on the risks and what support would be of benefit to reduce the use of these flights and prevent future deaths. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Rugby Football Union; that does not assign responsibility.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of effective public guidance about illegal flights and their risks

    Wider context from the report

    “2. I have concerns with regard to the following: i. There could be future deaths as a result of these illegal flights, and I request that the Secretary of State for Transport conducts a review of the powers available to the CAA in investigating breaches of aviation regulations. I request that the Secretary of State for Transport consider meeting with the CAA to establish what powers they would find of assistance in their investigative and enforcement role. ii. I further request that a review is undertaken by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport of the guidance given to the general public, especially all those involved in the sporting and music worlds, about the illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them. I would again request that consideration be given to meeting with the CAA who can properly advise on the risks associated with these flights, especially of future deaths that can occur and what support may assist them in deterring people from using these flights. iii. I would request that all the organisations identified at numbers 3-20 in the list at the beginning of this report, consider cascading to all their members, and anyone else they consider will benefit from the information, the illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them, especially of a future death, in order to discourage the use of these flights. I would again request that consideration be given to liaising with the CAA who can properly advise on the risks and what support would be of benefit to reduce the use of these flights and prevent future deaths. ”
    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Distribute the PFD report and associated flight-safety guidance to Premiership clubs.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “TO ALL PREMIERSHIP CLUBS”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union (2)
    Page 1 · response
    Published 22 March 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Cascade the Regulation 28 Report findings and associated commercial-flight risks to Premiership clubs.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Having considered which of our members are likely to charter aircraft for commercial operations, we can confirm that we have cascaded the findings in the Regulation 28 Report to all clubs involved in the Premiership, being the top level of the professional game in England. This is the only fully professional league with rugby union in England. A copy of the letter which has been sent to the Chief Executives of all such Clubs is enclosed for the Coroner’s reference. We also raised this subject at the June meeting of the Professional Game Board, which is the forum for discussing principal matters relating to the professional game, made up of representatives of the RFU, Premier Rugby, Premiership rugby clubs, Championship rugby clubs and the Rugby Players’ Association.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union
    Page 1 · response
    Published 22 March 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The Civil Aviation Authority is identified as the first point of contact for queries or concerns about the PFD report or commercial charter flights.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “If you had any queries or concerns in relation to the PFD Report, or regarding using commercial charter flights generally, we would suggest that a first port of call is the Civil Aviation Authority.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union (2)
    Page 1 · response
    Published 22 March 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The report need not be shared with other RFU clubs because they are highly unlikely to charter commercial flights.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Aside from those mentioned above, we do not consider that the Regulation 28 Report needs to be shared further with other Clubs within the RFU membership, as it is highly unlikely that they would be chartering commercial flights for Club or rugby union related purposes. It is important to note that the financial resources of Clubs within the RFU membership is significantly lower than those in Football or some other sports, and accordingly the risk of Clubs chartering the type of flights which the Regulation 28 Report seeks to highlight is, in our opinion, minimal. We have nonetheless taken action and communicated the associated risks to those Clubs where we believe the risk is potentially the highest.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union
    Page 2 · response
    Published 22 March 2022

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The risk of RFU member clubs chartering commercial flights is considered minimal because of their limited financial resources.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Aside from those mentioned above, we do not consider that the Regulation 28 Report needs to be shared further with other Clubs within the RFU membership, as it is highly unlikely that they would be chartering commercial flights for Club or rugby union related purposes. It is important to note that the financial resources of Clubs within the RFU membership is significantly lower than those in Football or some other sports, and accordingly the risk of Clubs chartering the type of flights which the Regulation 28 Report seeks to highlight is, in our opinion, minimal. We have nonetheless taken action and communicated the associated risks to those Clubs where we believe the risk is potentially the highest.”

    Source location

    Response from Rugby Football Union
    Page 2 · response
    Published 22 March 2022

    Open published response
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Information checked against published PFD reports and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026