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.