Banned.

Irish Rugby are set to make a huge change to their policy regarding the signing of non-Irish qualified players next season with some big news announced.

The IRFU are quite strict as it is when it comes to the signing of foreigners which will affect the growth of young Irish players coming through.

Provinces are permitted to sign players in certain areas where they are struggling, providing the national team are well-stocked in these areas with each decision made on a case-by-case basis.

One area that both provinces and the national team are struggling in currently is the front-row and Ireland are set to block any new front-row signings from next season in order to try and improve locally.

Leinster are set to announce the signing of French Rabah Slimani in the coming weeks it looks like he will be the last NIQ signing for a while at least.

“The way the Irish system is set up, players come through and we know we can block any foreigners coming into the game,” IRFU performance director David Humphreys said.

“The provinces need to find props there, to ensure that they are competitive, both now and as they need to replace some of the more senior players coming through.

“So, there’s every likelihood because of the challenge we have in the front-row positions that from next year onwards there won’t be front-row forwards coming into the provinces that won’t be Irish-qualified.

“Andy [Farrell] can’t go out and sign foreign players, so we have got to find ways to make sure that, yes we have a national responsibility, but that starts with the provinces and the pressure will be on them. It [the Slimani signing] is probably one that the discussion certainly pre-dates when I arrived.

“Again, my own view is it’s a short-term decision to bring him in to address a couple of issues in Leinster over the next 12 months. After next year there will be no front-row forwards coming into the Irish system until we have got the strength in depth we know needs to support the provinces and Ireland in the medium to long term.”