NIQ.

New Ireland director of high-performance David Humphreys has announced a big change to the IRFU’s policy when it comes to the provinces signing non-Irish qualified (NIQ) players.

Provinces have always been allowed to bring NIQ players in to boost their ranks with big names like Rocky Elsom, Ruan Pienaar, Craig Clarke, and Doug Howlett making huge impacts in the past.

But in recent seasons we’ve seen the IRFU block several signings, with provinces limited to only signing players in certain positions to prevent pathways being blocked.

Leinster high-profile signings of RG Snyman, Rabah Slimani, and Jordie Barrett have made the province unbeatable this season, with Leo Cullen’s men undefeated this season and it looks like we might see some more big names in Ireland soon.

Humphreys has revealed that Leinster are in talks to retain both Snyman and Slimani beyond next season with Ireland’s policy as a whole set to be relaxed.

“It’s much more flexible now,” Humphreys saidof the NIQ system.

“I think if you look back 10 years ago, it was four foreign players and one project player and that was set in stone with no negotiation around that.

“The provinces have moved a little bit, some of that is financial pressure they’re under and from an IRFU point of view it’s about making sure that the NIQ players who come in are adding real value in terms of what they can do on the pitch and also the influence and impact they can have on some of the younger players coming through.

“At this stage, there’s no set restrictions on who they can and can’t sign.”