RUGBY: The International Rugby Board (IRB) have submitted proposals to cut the number of substitutes allowed in international matches from seven to four.

An IRB statement yesterday said the proposed amendment has been sent to member unions who have been asked to respond by the end of August with a view to a "full discussion at the IRB council meeting in November".

There has been growing opposition to the use of seven substitutes, and rugby's governing body said: "The IRB is well aware that a substantial proportion of the game's stakeholders take the view that there are too many substitutions/replacements in matches at international level."

In another development Lloyds TSB have ended their sponsorship of the the Six Nations.