The 2026/27 community rugby season begins Saturday 5th September and RFU player registration for the new season opens on GMS from 1st July 2026.
WHAT IS GMS?
GMS (Game Management System) is the multi-functional online platform used by the RFU (Rugby Football Union) to support the grassroots community game in England. GMS serves as a central database for player, coach, referee and club member information, helping Clubs and Counties to administrate player registration, club membership and fixture management.
If you are having difficulty accessing or using GMS, clubs, players and parents can find guidance and submit a request for help from COMMUNITY RUGBY HELP
HOW DO I REGISTER TO PLAY?
All players participating in contact rugby (adults and age-grade) are required to register annually on the GMS platform.
Players and parents who are new to Rugby, will first need to set up an account on GMS in order to register with their club. You can find guidance on how to do that here CREATE A GMS ACCOUNT
Existing Players, with an active registration at the end of last season, can renew their registration by logging into GMS from 1st July onwards. If you need a reminder of how to do that check out this video RENEW
Student Players can hold both a Club registration and a University registration with a GMS STUDENT PASS.
More information and help with GMS registration can be found here REGISTER TO PLAY
WHAT IS EMC?
All teams competing in RFU League and Cup fixtures are required to use EMC (Electronic Match Card) to submit match details to GMS.
EMC and GMS work together as digital tools for recording lineups, cards, scores and results, to manage competitions and track team and player statistics.
An adult player can not be selected on an EMC unless they are registered on GMS. Playing an unregistered player is a breach of RFU regulations and can lead to sanctions against the club.
To access and submit an EMC by a mobile or desktop device you first must have the required Match Card Admin role and relevant permission level activated by your club on GMS.
To check the deadline for submitting an EMC or to report a Match Postponement or Match Abandonment please contact your League Secretary directly.
If you'd like some guidance in using Electronic Match Card there is a webinar on 25 August, 7-8pm. To Register just click this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Eg8cJD5aToW6YvduQ986sQ
