Law change gets backing of Bears boss

PAT Lam has welcomed World Rugby’s decision to allow players to wear tights or leggings at all levels of the sport.

Previously only permissible for women, World Rugby’s Law Four has been extended to all players with immediate effect, enabling the wearing of conforming tights or leggings on the grounds of player welfare and accessibility.

World Rugby said the ruling was changed to reflect the growing worldwide use of artificial pitches at both elite and community level.

The governing body is also to work with unions and artificial turf providers to ensure that the risk of abrasions are minimised, particularly by brushing and watering in hot conditions.

Lam’s Bristol Bears side head to Gallagher Premiership opponents Newcastle this afternoon, with the Falcons’ Kingston Park surface one of four artificial pitches in English rugby’s top flight.

“World Rugby has made a good, common-sense decision around players being able to wear tights to protect them from skin-burns,” Lam, pictured, said. “I think most of the issues around those pitches are the skin-burns and I think this is a good option.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to players’ preferences and how they feel. Some players still might choose not to, but at least there is an option.

“It’s common sense because it doesn’t give anyone an advantage by having them on, but it does give a form of protection.

“I imagine a lot more will take it up in the middle of December and January!

“White boots were an issue in my day but now they are common everywhere. In a few years’ time it will be common practice, but at least players have the option.”

Bristol will arrive on Tyneside looking to bounce back from a 52-24 thumping by Premiership champions Harlequins last time out. It was their third defeat from four starts this season and left them 12th in the table with a league-highest 142 points conceded, including 18 tries.

England U20s utility back Jack Bates is set for his first start of the campaign, but Steven Luatua misses out, and Jake Woolmore, Chris Vui, Piers O’Conor, Sam Bedlow and Henry Purdy are also unavailable. In the pack, Dave Attwood leads the side from lock, while Sam Jeffries makes his first outing in a Bears jersey since returning to the playing squad. Bristol Bears: