🏉 Simplifying First Aid Training in Rugby – What Clubs Need to Know Post-August 2025
As rugby continues to evolve, so too does the support system around it. From August 2025, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) will no longer be responsible for accrediting or organising first aid courses. While that might sound like a big change, it actually opens the door to greater flexibility, faster turnaround times, and more control for clubs arranging their own training.
Here’s what your club needs to know to stay compliant and keep your players safe.
✅ Key Change: RFU No Longer Organising First Aid Training
The RFU is stepping back from course accreditation and delivery from August 2025. Instead, clubs must work directly with independent, accredited training providers. The RFU will still offer guidance through their provider list, but responsibility for due diligence now sits with the club.
“Training providers must ensure that they hold a current and relevant accreditation… It is recommended that clubs check to ensure that training providers hold a current and relevant accreditation.”
– RFU Statement, 2025
🏫 Meet ETS – A Trusted First Aid Provider
One of the trusted providers stepping up is Elite Training Solutions (ETS). With Ofqual-regulated courses delivered through the Royal Lifesaving Society, ETS offers a robust, rugby-aware first aid qualification by utilising their regulated Level 3 First Aid at work qualification alongside candidates accessing the RFU’s online resources.
Until the recent changes were announced, ETS had been an RFU-approved Educator for over six years, delivering both the Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union (EFARU) and Play It Safe safeguarding (PIS) courses. In addition, ETS played a key role in internal quality assurance (IQA) processes, ensuring that RFU First Aid trainers within Area 4 (The East Midlands) remained compliant.
Course Details:
-
Qualification: Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work
-
Duration: One day (min. 6 hours, 4+ hours face-to-face)
-
Cost: £85 per person (travel costs may apply)
-
Group Size: 6–12 learners per tutor
-
Location: Onsite at your club or at ETS venues
Booking Requirements:
To run a course, clubs must ensure:
-
A minimum of 6 learners
-
Full payment received at least 7 working days before the course (clubs will be invoiced as one paymenr)
-
All pre-course documentation is completed in advance by all learners
And the good news? Courses can now be booked with just 2 weeks’ notice, compared to the previous 6-week RFU requirement.
🧾 Certification & Club Responsibilities
Learners who complete the course receive a 3-year Ofqual-regulated certificate. To help clubs track qualifications and keep compliance on point, the RFU recommends that all appointed first aiders self-certify their qualification on their GMS profile (Game Management System). This allows clubs to:
-
Monitor how many qualified first aiders they have
-
Track renewal dates
-
Stay up to date with training compliance
📚 What the Course Covers
The ETS course goes beyond the RFU’s minimum requirements. Here’s a breakdown of key content:
✔ Core Skills
-
Primary Survey
-
CPR and AED
-
Managing wounds and external bleeding
-
Seizures
-
Minor injuries
-
Suspected fractures
-
Shock
🧠 Rugby-Specific Topics (Highly Recommended)
-
Concussion and Head Injuries – HEADCASE
-
Suspected Spinal Injuries – covered in Online Module 3
🔄 Don’t Forget: Annual Refresher Training
While the qualification lasts for three years, the RFU highly recommends annual refresher training to keep skills sharp. The England Rugby FARU CPD series provides free online modules that are perfect for this purpose.
Also, ensure that all appointed first aiders complete the HEADCASE eLearning module annually. It’s a vital tool for recognising and managing concussion — a key concern in contact sports like rugby.
🧠 Final Thoughts
This transition away from RFU-managed courses may feel like a big shift, but it offers clubs greater flexibility and autonomy. By working with accredited providers like ETS, clubs can streamline their training while ensuring they meet all safety and compliance standards.
As rugby continues to grow, well-trained first aiders will remain one of the most critical parts of our game. Let’s make sure they have the tools and training they need — faster and more effectively than ever.
Contact us today to arrange your training with us today:
Tel:0770 852 2621
Info@etsfirstaid.co.uk
Rugby