WHAT IS GMS?
GMS (Game Management System) is the overarching, 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 County CBs (constituent bodies) to administrate various aspects of rugby, including player registration, club membership and fixture management.
GMS and EMCs (Electronic Match Card) work together as essential digital tools for recording match details, results, managing leagues, and tracking player and team statistics. The more match details clubs submit on thier EMC the more performance and appearance information thier players can access. The number of match results a club records on GMS has a direct relationship with their international ticket allocation.
PLAYER REGISTRATION
All players in England are required to register annually on GMS to play rugby for RFU member clubs.
An adult player can not be selected on an EMC unless they are registered on GMS.
An unregistered player may not be covered by the RFU insurance policy and this could leave the player and the club vulnerable if a serious injury occurs and a compensation claim is made. All players are advised to ensure they are registered with their club to guarantee coverage by the RFU insurance (for catastrophic injury, permanent disability and public liability) and to consider taking out their own persoanl insurance (for loss of income or temporary injury).
Currently there are no requirements for players who are only participating in non-contact (Walking, T1, Touch) rugby to register.
Players who are new to Rugby, without an active registration at the end of last season, will need to set up an account on GMS in order to register with their club.
Existing Players, with an active registration at the end of last season, can renew their registration themsleves on GMS .
If you need asssitance with GMS registration, there are a number of self-help videos available on the RFU You Tube channel.
VIDEO: How to create a GMS account
VIDEO: How to transfer a player to a new club on GMS
VIDEO: How to uplift players for RFU registration
VIDEO: How Clubs can register a 17-year old to play Adult Rugby
ADULT PLAYERS
Adult Player Registration opens in July and adult players are able to log into GMS to register themselves to play.
Previously registered players who are joining a new club for the new season must first renew their registration at their previous club before their new club is able to transfer them on GMS.
VIDEO: How to renew your Adult Player registration at your club
AGE-GRADE PLAYERS
Parents of Age-Grade Players (under 18 years of age) with an active registration at the end of last season, can re-register to their club from July onwards for the new season. To register or renew a child's player registration parents should log in to their linked parent/guardian account on GMS .
If your child is not linked to your account then please contact your club directly. You club admin will be able to link your accounts (providing that both accounts are linked to the club) so you're able to complete the process.
PROBLEM SOLVING
From 1st July 2025, GMS and the England Rugby website will implement a Single Sign-On (SSO) to give access to both platforms. To sign in you'll need to use your default GMS email address. Logging in with your username will no longer be possible.
If you have a GMS account, please do not try to resolve log-in issues by setting up a new GMS account. Instead, speak with your club registrar.
If you are having difficulty in renewing registration on GMS, check your personal account to ensure all sections are fully complete. Missing information such as 'Emergency contact details' and 'Medical details' will prevent effective renewal for the new season.
