Explained: The rule changes in the Football Interprovincial Series

After much debate as to how the game should be changed, the new football rules will be seen in action this weekend in the Football Interprovincial Series.

Following another season of criticism of the game, the Football Review Committee have proposed a number of new rules in the hope the game will be more attacking.

Leinster and Connacht get proceedings under way on Friday at 6pm, followed by Munster v Ulster at 8pm. The winners of those games will compete for the Railway Cup on Saturday evening at 7:30pm, and the two losing provinces will meet in Saturday's opening game at 5:30pm.

Some of the biggest names in the sport will be in action on Friday and Saturday, including James McCarthy, Stephen Cluxton, Aidan O'Shea, Rían O’Neill and Niall Morgan to trial the new rules.

Ahead of the action, which gets underway in Croke Park this evening, here is the seven new rules on display this weekend.

Only one player from each team will contest throw-ins at the start of each half. The other two midfielders will wait on opposing sidelines, standing on their defensive side of the halfway line.

The kick-out would be taken from the 20 metre line and must go beyond the 40-metre arc. Players can be positioned behind the 20-metre line when the goalkeeper kicks the ball out. If an opposition player interferes with the goalkeeper or intercepts the ball within the 40-metre arc then the ball will be brought forward 50 metres.

Scoring a point from outside the 40 metre arc would be worth two points with points scored from within the 40 metre arc worth one point. A goal would be worth four points. Converted 45s would continue to be worth one point.

A player who is fouled has the option of continuing play by taking a ‘solo and go’ rather than