Men in tights: World Rugby law change allows male players to wear leggings

• Previously only women permitted to wear leggings during games
• Amendment implemented on welfare and accessibility grounds'

Skinned knees could soon be a thing of the past in rugby union after the sport's governing body amended its laws to allow players at all levels to wear tights or leggings during games.

Law Four of the sport, which covers players' clothing, previously only permitted women to wear cotton blend tights or leggings, with single inside seam under their shorts and socks", but has now been extended to all participants with immediate effect, World Rugby said.