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The Welsh Rugby Union are poised to announce the introduction of six-point tries when the Principality Premiership kicks off this weekend.

Experimental laws are ready to be rolled out in the second tier of Welsh rugby with penalties and drop-goals downgraded to two points, and in a bid to encourage more attacking rugby, a converted touchdown will be upgraded to eight points.

It will be the first time anywhere in the world such law changes have been implemented.

With the 12 clubs in the Premiership ringfenced for this coming season when they will be joined by four clubs set to be promoted from the Swalec Championship for the 2016/17 campaign, the WRU felt this league would be suitable to bring in the changes.

Other laws expected to be announced by the WRU on Wednesday include the scrapping of conversions for penalty tries with eight points automatically awarded plus the ruling there must be eight players in a scrum, meaning a back will have to pack down if a lock or loose forward is yellow-carded.

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The Premiership coaches have been informed about the changes at a meeting with referees last week but the full details will be revealed at the league launch on Wednesday afternoon.

WRU head of rugby Josh Lewsey will be joined by the governing body’s referees manager Nigel Whitehouse to explain the thinking behind the decision at Sardis Road, Pontypridd.

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