Hooker Dane Coles is sure that if anybody in the All Blacks squad opts to play in leggings during a Test match, it will be a backline player.

World Rugby this week announced that all rugby players will now be allowed to wear tights or leggings in matches.

This comes as concerns have been raised about cuts and abrasions from playing on artificial pitches, with the law change allowing leggings as a preventative measure.

England prop Joe Marler, Exeter Chiefs back Jack Nowell and Leicester Tigers flyhalf Freddie Burns are among those who have made a stance against the increasingly popular artificial turfs.

When he was asked about the law change, which the All Blacks will be able to use during the upcoming trip to the United States, Coles said he doubted any of the team’s front-row forwards would be taking up that opportunity.

“I think the front rowers will be having a meeting, and no front rower will be wearing leggings in the All Blacks, that’s for sure,” Coles said.

“You could probably pick them [who will wear leggings] on one hand, I reckon. Either Beaudy [Beauden Barrett], maybe not Beaudy, or Rieko [Ioane] maybe. It will be a back, 100%.”

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