THESE GOGGLES COULD become a common feature of rugby matches near you after the IRB today approved a global law trial approving their use at all levels of the game.

The IRB’s laws preventing the use of eyewear above the Under 8 age grade of contact rugby had come under fire last year after nine-year-old Darlington boy Adam Clayton had been told he could not play.

Clayton is short-sighted and had attempted to line out for his club wearing robust plastic frames with prescription lenses, but was stopped from doing so.

“Rugby is a Game for all,” says the IRB’s head of technical services, Steve Griffiths.

“The IRB recognises that not everyone who needs corrective glasses can wear contact lenses, particularly children, so we have been collaborating with a leading manufacturer to design and rigorously test a pair of Rugby Goggles that will be safe and effective in a Rugby environment.

“We believe we have done that now and this trial is good news for anyone with eyesight issues who wishes to play the Game.”

Wearers must first present confirmation from an ophthalmologist that goggles are required and anyone wishing to purchase must first register on the IRB passport system before buying from Raleri.com, who hold exclusive manufacturing rights.

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