TRIES will be rewarded with six points when the Principality Premiership kicks off this weekend after the Welsh Rugby Union agreed to trial some experimental laws, writes Chris Kirwan.

The scoring system will be tinkered with in a bid to encourage more attacking rugby with an eight-point reward for a converted try and penalties and drop goals downgraded to two points. Conversions for penalty tries will be scrapped – they will automatically earn eight points.

Among the other changes mooted is a ruling that 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.

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, home of champions Pontypridd.

It is felt that the league is suitable for the experiment because it is ring-fenced this season with four clubs set to be promoted from the Swalec Championship for the 2016/17 campaign.