Law and sport

A free legal advice service for Welsh rugby clubs has been launched by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in partnership with Cardiff University's Law School.

Students will be available to give free legal advice to all WRU member clubs below the semi-professional level of the Principality Premiership Division across Wales.

The aim is to identify workable solutions to basic problems and ensure clubs are fully aware of the best course of action to resolve any dispute. The project aims to provide the same high quality of legal advice that member clubs would receive from any solicitor or barrister.

The scheme will be managed and monitored by staff at Cardiff University's Law School. The project is being supported by the law firm Hugh James and Civitas barristers' chambers in Cardiff, whose staff will offer professional guidance and assistance to the participating students, and will underwrite the legal advice given.

WRU Participation Officers will also liaise between the clubs and participating students to identify cases which would benefit from the scheme.

The project is bilingual, and clubs may submit email and written queries via email (in English at intouch@cardiff.ac.uk or in Welsh at: camsefyll@caerdydd.ac.uk), by phone (via the Law School switchboard on 02920 876705 on Monday-Friday 9am and 5pm) or by post (to WRU/Cardiff Law School Pro Bono Team, Cardiff Law School, Museum Avenue Cardiff CF10 3AX).

Verbal advice will not be given under the scheme but all written responses will be received within an agreed timescale.

A bilingual newsletter detailing the scheme and containing legal advice on mainstream issues will be distributed to Welsh rugby clubs soon as part of the project with updated editions to follow.