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IRB to trial change in substitutions
October 26, 2010 - 3:19AM
The International Rugby Board says substitutes will only be allowed to enter the playing area from the halfway line under law changes that will be trialled during next month's international matches.
The IRB is attempting to "give greater clarity to what is a busy area of the game" for officials.
It says replacements can only go on once the player substituted has left the field of play via the touchline, touch-in-goal line or dead-ball line.
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The only exception to the new protocol will be when an injury forces a player being substituted to be escorted off by medical staff. In that case, replacements can go on before the injured player leaves the pitch.
The change will operate only during international matches next month.
© 2010 AP
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