Charging forward into the future, Lancashire RFU is ready to engage in the new season by becoming the first County in England to adopt a new GMS powered website platform, allowing for comprehensive, seamless access to club and county fixture information.
On this page, players and clubs can find information and guidance on GMS, EMC and Registration to help them get ready for rugby.
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.
The number of match results a club records on GMS has a direct relationship with their international ticket allocation.
WHAT IS AN EMC?
The RFU Electronic Match Card (EMC) records where rugby is being played, how often and by whom.
GMS and EMCs work together as essential digital tools for recording match results, match events, managing leagues, and tracking player and team statistics. The more match details clubs include on thier submitted EMC, the more performance and appearance information thier players can access.
If you have the required Match Card Admin role and the relevant permission level, you can access the EMC by your desktop or mobile device. Please check with your club regarding your roles and permission levels if required.
The RFU have put together step by step guides and top tips to help you use the EMC on this link EMC HELP
If Match Card Administrators have an EMC problem they can not resolve there is a GMS service desk Phoneline (Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 7pm) 02088317764
The results of all League and Community Cup games should be reported by 17:30 for afternoon fixtures or 22:00 for evening fixtures. If for any reason you cannot do this via the Electronic Match Card (EMC) you must contact your League Secretary.
If a match is postponed, abandoned, or a walkover you should NOT complete an EMC but contact your league secretary with the details as soon as they are known.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER TO PLAY?
All players in England, adult and age-grade, are required to register annually on GMS to play rugby for RFU member clubs.
Note - An adult player can not be selected on an EMC unless they are registered on GMS. Clubs who field unregistered players will face sanctions and penalty points. An unregistered player is not covered by standard RFU insurance, unless they are playing in a school, college, or university setting, or for a non-affiliated team under specifc conditions.
Note - Currently there are no requirements for players who are only participating in non-contact (Walking, T1, Touch) Rugby to register.
HOW DO I REGISTER TO PLAY?
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 PLAYER REGISTRATION
Adult Player Registration opened on 1st July 2025 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 2025/26 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 PLAYER REGISTRATION
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 are having difficulty in renewing registration or club membership on GMS, double 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.
Note - If you already have a GMS account, do not try to resolve log-in issues by setting up a new GMS account. Instead check out the links above or speak with your club regsitrar.
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