Although it is nice to see Ethan Havard might get his first team debut it is always worrying that we are always throwing young lads in when the team is at its weakest. I would like to see an extra sub/ replacement spot created specifically for u19s/first year professionals to allow them to be blooded when the team at a decent strength.

I like the sentiment, but does that result in a top under 19s player playing 10 mins off the bench every week for the first team as opposed to 80 mins for the reserves?

Not sure it needs to be reserved for an U19's player but I've always thought it a little unfair that teams run out of subs when there's a few injuries.

Keep the number of interchanges the same but increase the numbers on the bench from 4 to 5/6.

been saying the same for a few years, name 6 subs but keep same amount of interchanges allowed.

Clubs have to name a squad of 19 two days before the game.
So why then reduce it to 17 an hour before kick off?
It's never made any sense and never will.
Keep the interchanges the same but with the 19 man squad and not reduced to 17.

Can't argue with that. 19 gives sides the option to keep at least one back in reserve in case of injury, or for tactical reasons, instead if packing the bench with props. I don't see a down-side.


But I'm sure someone will find one!

I like the idea of reducing the number of interchanges and I’m definitely not in favour of increasing the number of players to choose from. The last 20 minutes of each game is when fatigue can play a major part in the outcome. That’s when gaps are more likely to appear and when creative rugby can exploit tiring defences.