IRFU to block NIQ front row signings after this season

Rabah Slimani's transfer to Leinster this season could spell the end of non-Irish qualified front row signings for the foreseeable future, with the IRFU set to put a block on the recruitment of foreign props and hookers.

The former France international’s move to Dublin is yet to be officially confirmed by the province, although the player himself has stated it’s a done deal.

Leinster were given clearance to bring in a NIQ tighthead prop after the departure of Michael Ala’alatoa, who is coincidentally joining Slimani’s current side Clermont Auvergne.

The development of front row forwards is deemed a priority by the IRFU, particularly at loosehead, where Ireland’s reliance on Andrew Porter has become glaringly obvious, while behind him no younger candidate has been able to budge 36-year-old Cian Healy further down the pecking order.

In a bid to encourage Andy Farrell and the four provinces to strengthen their depth in that area, Irish Rugby performance director David Humphreys has said they will be putting a hold on sanctioning NIQ front row signings for the time being.

"There's every likelihood, because of the challenge we have in the front row positions, that from next year onwards there won't be front row forwards coming into the provinces that won't be Irish qualified," Humphreys said at a media briefing in Durban yesterday.

"Andy [Farrell] can't go out and sign foreign players, so we have got to find ways to make sure that, yes, we have a national responsibility, but that starts with the provinces and the pressure will be on them: 'You have got to deliver those players to make you be competitive’.

"If they do that - because of the way our system is structured and the game time and opportunities, those players will come