Duo not eligible for Ireland

CONNACHT NEW SIGNINGS:CONNACHT'S NEWEST signings, Matthew Jarvis (20) and James Loxton (21), both former age-grade internationals with Wales, are not eligible to play for Ireland under the current International Rugby Board (IRB) laws.

The Irish province signed the two young prospects on the basis that they would be eligible to play for Ireland because they had not represented the Principality at either sevens or A international level; grades if played then a player may not then swap national allegiance.

Jarvis – his grandmother is from Cork – and Loxton – his mother is from Crossmolina, Co Mayo – both played at under-18 and under-20 level for Wales but it is a match they played against France at that latter age-grade that has caused the problem.

At present in the case of both Wales and France their designated second team under IRB regulations is their under-20 side so any player taking part in a match between under-20 teams designated as a country’s second senior side is no longer able to change national allegiance.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) noticed the qualification anomaly when they saw the Connacht press release on Monday night and informed the Irish province today.

Connacht chief executive Gerry Kelly has spoken to the Irish Rugby Football Union and The Irish Times understands that the Irish union are seeking an explanation and clarification from the IRB in regard to the matter.