Ireland gear up for life without project players as residency period is extended

Irish Rugby has begun adjusting to life without project players by announcing a new player identification programme targeting Irish-qualified talent overseas.

IQ Rugby was announced on the IRFU’s website yesterday by its performance director David Nucifora as global governing body World Rugby made the expected move to bring an end to the controversial practice of encouraging players to switch national allegiances after just three years of residency.

World Rugby yesterday voted to raise the required residency period for Test eligibility from 36 to 60 months, a move which many believe could provide a significant boost for smaller nations such as those from the Pacific Islands who consistently see their most talented players lured overseas.