NEW World Rugby guidelines have denied Wales and Ireland the chance to wear their iconic red and green when they go head-to-head.
The Welsh and the Irish are two sides with very different ambitions, with three games to go in the Six Nations, but both will have the same ambition this afternoon.
The Dragons are adjusting to life without Warren Gatland when they host the Men Not in Green (for this game), trying to avoid the Wooden Spoon.
Ireland are the side that will be changing this year, but other sides, like New Zealand and South Africa, will also be impacted by the change.
Why are Ireland wearing white against Wales in the Six Nations?
The move is a new initiative introduced in 2021 to help colour-blind players, officials, and fans follow the game better.
It is part of a move by World Rugby to try and aid players, fans and officials, as telling red and green apart can be difficult for people who are colour-blind.
Around one in 12 men and one in 200 women suffer with the condition.
Usually, in international rugby union, it is the home side who changes their strip when there is a clash, but this time, it will be the away side.
This means that for Ireland’s trip to the Principality Stadium today, it is Ireland wearing their alternative white shirt.
Special effort will be put into the socks, as they not only have to avoid clashing with the opposition team but also have to avoid clashing with the pitch.
Kit changes are a regular part of the Six Nations, as France, Italy and Scotland all play in blue, and have to switch at some point during their campaigns.
What are the World Rugby guidelines on colour blind kit clashes?
The guidelines from World Rugby stretch beyond just Ireland and Wales wearing green and red.
The new guidelines require teams with a dark home shirt, such as the All Blacks New Zealand, to have a light alternative shirt.
Two teams playing in dark coloured kits will have to switch when they play, meaning when South Africa play New Zealand in September, one team will have to switch.
These guidelines have forced Wales to change their away kit from black to white for this Six Nations.
What other Six Nations games are on this weekend?
The Calcutta Cup is up for grabs at Twickenham on Saturday, February 22, as Finn Russell and Scotland face England at 4:45pm GMT.
On Sunday, February 23, Italy will play host to France at 3pm GMT.
How can I watch the Six Nations?
All of the Six Nations games will be available on BBC and ITV, and available for stream on the BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
