The International Rugby Board will apply a new trial to the upcoming end of the year rugby test matches, essentially making it easier for officials to record and regulate the coming and goings of substituted players.

Substituted players will have to have completely left the field of play including the in goal area before a replacement player takes the field, who themselves will need to enter the field from the touchline at halfway.

The basic law governing the number of players on the field will still apply.

This comes after issues have arisen with certain casualness from substituted players and replacements, which at times has seen more than 15 players on the field from one team at one time.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said the area of substitution management is a critical element of the game.

He added that the modern game includes multiple substitutions and the aim of this protocol trial during the November Tests is to bring greater efficiency to the procedure, making the area better for all involved in the Game.

Story by: Dhanjay Deo