IRELAND'S rugby governing body the IRFU have reiterated their prohibited stance on the use of eyewear in the sport following a seven-year-old’s appeals.
Youngster Ryan Totten was told by the IRFU that players with goggles or any type of eyewear could not participate in matches due to health and safety rules.
The schoolboy, who is too young to wear contact lenses, has played tag rugby for his local club Coleraine for three years and wants the game’s body to reconsider, but his appeals have taken a knock.
IRFU Communications Director Stephen McNamara said: "For health and safety reasons the IRFU does not permit players to wear eyewear of any kind during play.
"While the IRFU understands the frustration this can cause, we must prioritise the safety of all players at all times.”
Governing bodies in Scotland and Italy are trialling the use of eyewear in a bid to move the sport on, and the IRFU insist they will review their terms once the results have been determined.
“After consultation with the IRFU Medical Committee, it is was agreed that the IRFU would not participate in the new IRB trial and await its outcomes before any review of our current policy can be undertaken."
