Controversial eligibility changes approved by World Rugby

World Rugby Council have approved dramatic eligibility changes to international rugby that will allow players to represent a second nation after a three-year stand-down period from their last ‘binding’ representative appearance for their first nation. According to Uruguayan journalist Ignacio Chans, the vote passed by a vote of 39 in favor, 11 against, and 1 abstention.

Criteria for the change will require a credible link with the second union – specifically the player, a parent, or grandparent must have been born in the country they are changing allegiance to. Notably the residency requirement for regular eligibility does not apply to a union transfer.

The change to Regulation 8, which governs international eligibility, comes into effect on January 1, 2022, and will apply to all players in both sevens and 15-a-side rugby. There is no stipulation or limitation on which team players can transfer to or from provided they meet the criteria and are approved by the World Rugby Regulations Committee.

While such transfers were once permitted by World Rugby, the governing body (then IRB) adopted a ‘one union only’ rule on January 1, 2000, after it was deemed that some countries had unfairly exploited the allowance. A new regulation was then created with the re-introduction of rugby to the Olympic Games  in 2016 to accommodate the requirement of attending athletes to hold a passport of the country they were representing, allowing some players to switch allegiance in sevens rugby.

Among those who have used the ‘Olympic loophole’ to date include New Zealand turned England sevens player Warwick Lahmert, former Australia turned Tonga winger Cooper Vuna, and former Argentina XV turned Italy center Juan Ignacio Brex. More recently former All Blacks center Malakai Fekitoa and Wallabies lock Lopeti Timani switched their allegiance to Tonga.

Proponents of the change argue that the alteration allows players no longer being selected by a ‘Tier 1’ nation to return to international rugby with a ‘Tier 2’ side, and in theory raising the competitiveness of smaller nations as a result. The Pacific Islands are most often cited as beneficiaries.

Critics argue that the change artificially boosts the Island teams – particularly Samoa and Tonga – to a disproportionate degree with few benefits to other ‘Tier 2’ sides. It also fails to address the comparatively low number of Samoan or Tongan-born players who play for the national sides with many New Zealanders qualifying on heritage instead selected.

Former Manu Samoa lock and current CEO of Pacific Rugby Players Welfare, a not-for-profit association, has been among the most vocal advocates for the change to the regulations. The Island nations are not all in agreement, however, with Fiji Rugby General Manager of High Performance Simon Raiwalui, himself a former Fiji test captain, publicly questioning the benefits to his country.

Imagine pushing on-island player development & pathways as much as you do player eligibility…now that would be getting behind the brothers & pushing through something that benefits ALL Pacific Nations…long term 🇫🇯🇼🇸🇹🇴 https://t.co/5Cf8owlTWY

— 🇫🇯💉Simon Raiwalui💉🇫🇯 (@SimonRaiwalui) November 3, 2021

Several players of Island heritage could make an immediate change in eligibility in 2022. Among them Bristol captain Steven Luatua and Lyon flyhalf Lima Sopoaga are set to play for Samoa, while Tonga should gain Clermont center George Moala and Bristol fullback Charles Piutau. All have previously represented New Zealand in test rugby.

Though seemingly less enthused about the change, Fiji could call upon former England No8 Nathan Hughes or Wallabies winger Taqele Naiyaravoro. Among other nations Portugal have reportedly shown interest in former France scrumhalf Morgan Parra, while former Ireland flanker Jordi Murphy could qualify for Spain.

North America stands to gain little if anything from the new regulation. Leinster and Ireland scrumhalf Luke McGrath could qualify for Canada in late 2022 and former England lock George Kruis in 2023. Connacht and Ireland flyhalf Jack Carty could switch to the USA in October of next year. None have shown any interest in switching allegiance.

For South America it appears less with virtually all of the players for Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay born and raised in those countries with a small number qualifying through parentage. Brazil has a handful of players qualified on residency and it’s not clear that any players from other nations have credible links.