IRB set to 'take stock' of rugby

THE International Rugby Board will host a conference in Dublin next month to address global concerns over the way the game is being played and refereed.

Leading coaches, referees and administrators from the world's top 20 ranked nations will debate five key issues which have emerged following a survey of all 117 IRB member nations.

The central theme is "global playing trends" with the delegates to discuss the tackle/ruck area, excess kicking and scrum collapses/resets.

The physicality of the modern game and player welfare is also on the agenda along with the IRB's current law-making process.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "The object of the two-day conference is to take stock of the game."