Please note: This is a criminal case, R v Billinghurst, used by analogy.
Facts
During a rugby match the punched an opponent off the ball, breaking his jaw.
Issue
Does consent to a contact sport cover a deliberate punch outside the play?
Held
Consent did not extend to a deliberate blow unconnected with the play; he was .
Principle
Players consent only to contact within the normal course of the game, not to deliberate foul play beyond what is expected.
Why it matters
A criminal case used in to show the limits of implied consent.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
R v Billinghurst [1978] Crim LR 553 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/r-v-billinghurst> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.