The IRFU Director of Rugby Development, Eddie Wigglesworth has issued a directive to all Provincial Branch honorary secretaries, Branch Chief Executives, Clubs and Schools honorary secretaries, Referee honorary secretaries and IRFU Referee panels, that it is essential that Clubs, Coaches and Referees must now apply the following process, in relation to LAW 3 - 5 Suitably Trained and Experienced Players in the Front Row:

1. In all matches where replacements are authorised, the front row replacements must be named and advised to the referee prior to the match. This must include the position (prop or hooker) for which the replacements are designated. In the event of a team - due to injury, temporary suspension or sending off of a prop or hooker - having no further designated replacement for that position, the referee will order non-contested scrums.

2. In all matches where replacements are not authorised, the referee will immediately order non-contested scrums, in the event of injury, temporary suspension or sending off of a front row player.

It is imperative that Clubs and Coaches appreciate the safety element of this process, and the necessity therein to ensure that only suitably trained and experienced players are selected to play in the front row, or selected as front row replacements.