What does the NCAA Rules say:

1. Amateurism Must Be Maintained

• You must not be paid to play rugby.

• You must not sign a professional contract.

• You can play for a club or amateur team in Spain, but:

  • No salary.

  • No prize money (beyond actual expenses).

  • No agents or promotional endorsements.

Playing for an amateur rugby club in Spain while studying is fine under NCAA rules, if you're not paid.

2. Gap Year Timing

• NCAA gives you a 1-year grace period after high school graduation.

• During that year, you can take time off to travel, work, or play sports as long as you don't enroll full-time in any college.

• You must enroll in college within 12 months after your high school graduation to preserve your eligibility.

• If you graduate high school in June 2025, you can play in Spain during the 2025–2026 academic year and start college in Fall 2026 with no eligibility penalty.

3. Five-Year Clock (Division I)

• Once you enroll full-time at a college, you have five calendar years to complete four seasons of play.

• The clock doesn't start until you enroll in college.