KEY POINTS:
The selection of players under the age of 18 for top domestic competitions has been ruled out by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
The union board said yesterday it had changed its eligibility regulations to fall in line with those of the International Rugby Board.
They come into effect for this year's national championship competitions.
Players who are not 18 on July 1 each year will not be permitted to play in those competitions.
The union's deputy chief executive, Steve Tew, said the decision was made in the interest of player welfare.
All the provincial unions and the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association had been consulted.
"The reality of professional rugby is that players are getting younger and the level and degree of contact is increasing," Tew said. "It is important that we manage our players' development properly."
Tew said if a provincial union wanted to select a player who was 18 at July 1 for either domestic competition, it must obtain NZRU approval.
Factors involved would include "the player's position, whether the player is physically capable of playing rugby at this level and if participation in these competitions will enhance his mental and physical development".
- NZPA
