A YOUNG Antrim boy is appealing to Irish rugby’s governing body to allow him to play the sport with goggles that improve his eyesight.
Ryan Totten, who is just seven years old, was told by the IRFU that players with eyewear couldn’t participate in matches due to health and safety rules.
The schoolboy has played tag rugby for his local club Coleraine for three years and wants the game’s body to reconsider.
Ryan TottenRyan was "really disappointed and really, really sad" when told that he could not play in matches with his friends, the BBC reports.
"They said that I can't play because I wear sports goggles," Ryan said. "Please can I play again? I really, really, really want to."
He wore sports goggles during his days of tag rugby that were approved by British and EU safety standards.
Ryan is currently too young to wear contact lenses.
The debate over wearing the goggles has come as Ryan’s now old enough to take part in rugby where there is contact between players.
Earlier this year, Ryan was told to leave the pitch during a match because his goggles were contrary to IRFU rules.
Ryan's mother Christine said her son was "upset, embarrassed and disappointed" that he could not take part.
Children are allowed to wear eyewear when playing rugby in Scotland, whilst the Rugby Football Union in England are trialling the use of goggles after receiving complaints against banning them.
The game’s global governing body, World Rugby, is also trialling the use of eyewear in matches, but the IRFU is not participating in the tests.
The IRFU stated it "must prioritise player safety at all times", and said it will review its stance on the matter after it World Rugby's trial period.
