The eligibility rule change is changing rugby! All you need to know!

Another crucial year comes by for the oval ball sport, where fans flock to the platforms for rugby tickets, and as expected, there’s so much happening in the background as the teams get ready for the big event. 

The Rugby World Cup returns to France after 2007, and in this momentous time, teams around the globe are prepping to celebrate global events. 

Player switches, tactical add-ons, and new coaching reinforcements are all part and parcel of a rugby world cup year. With the Northern Hemisphere leading the entourage this year, we see the smaller nations rebuilding their teams to ensure that they fight for the tournament’s heavyweights. 

Over the years, the underdogs have savored some of the best rugby moments, whether the world cup or international rugby. This year, the focus is on Fiji and Tonga as they scour through the players of their home country of origin to join their respective teams ahead of the world cup. 

Everyone who has been a close follower of the sport knows the potential and talent the Islander players bring to the international stage. Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa players have always brought glitz and glamor. 

But, disappointingly, the respective rugby unions of these nations need the financial capabilities to retain such talent. Hence, these players end up looking for opportunities in New Zealand, Australia or even heading to Europe for a chance to pay and get paid hefty. 

But one single change in the rule book is changing everything. 

World Rugby announced a significant change to its eligibility rules, allowing national team players to switch countries in January 2022. This move, described as a “landmark” change, permits players to change allegiances if they were born in the country they wish to represent or if they have a parent or grandparent born there. 

However, players can only make the switch once and must observe a stand-down period of three years from international rugby.

The birthright amendment, approved by the World Rugby Council, is expected to benefit Pacific island countries. Players such as England’s Billy and Mako Vunipola and New Zealand’s Charles Piutau may now be able to represent Tonga due to their eligibility under the new rules.

World Rugby stated that the amendment came in response to requests from emerging nations and after consultations with member unions and players. The previous rule, which permanently tied a player to a country once they had played Test rugby, except for specific circumstances related to the Olympics, has now been replaced.

Bill Beaumont, the chairman of World Rugby, expressed his satisfaction with the regulatory change, stating that it recognizes the modern professional rugby environment while maintaining the integrity of the international game. The decision aims to prioritize the players’ interests and has the potential to contribute to the growth and increased competitiveness of international men’s and women’s rugby.

The revised eligibility rules implemented on January 1, 2022, allow players who meet the specified criteria to submit a transfer application, which will be reviewed and approved by World Rugby’s regulations committee. This change is significant for Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and other emerging nations.

Omar Hassanein, the chief executive of the International Rugby Players Union, expressed his enthusiasm for the new regulations, highlighting their positive impact on players worldwide. The opportunity for players to represent the country of their own or their ancestors’ birth is expected to enhance the competitiveness of emerging nations and ultimately benefit the sport as a whole.

The change from World Rugby was long overdue, and this year’s Rugby World Cup will be far more exciting for the fans who get their rugby tickets than any other. The Japan World Cup in 2019 was exceptional, but the anticipation is that there will be a better level field, and the gap between the teams will be insignificant. 

In light of the recent developments and player exits to Europe, All Blacks are also en-route to taking a bold move to accommodate players of New Zealand origin playing domestic rugby outside of the country. 

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) CEO Mark Robinson has indicated that a significant change to the All Blacks’ eligibility rules may be imminent. In an exclusive interview, Robinson expressed openness to the idea of All Blacks players representing Super Rugby teams outside of New Zealand, suggesting that it is something they should pursue rapidly.

Currently, players contracted to NZR can only represent New Zealand Super Rugby teams. Robinson acknowledged that allowing All Blacks players to compete for teams in other countries or Pasifika sides would generate greater interest and excitement in the sport. 

He cited the example of Ardie Savea potentially playing for the Reds, acknowledging that while it may not sit well with Hurricanes fans, it could be intriguing for the fans with rugby tickets across the competition.

Robinson anticipates that ideas such as a salary cap, a draft system, and other proposals will be explored by establishing the Super Rugby Commission, a new entity responsible for overseeing and developing the competition. He emphasized the need for speed in implementing changes to reinvigorate the fan base.

While Robinson believes that Australian teams are still necessary for Super Rugby, he acknowledged that there is a case for reducing the number of Australian teams in the competition. Despite lower attendance figures for matches against Australian teams, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with Rugby Australia.

Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu has included former Wallabies forward Adam Coleman and former All Blacks sevens star Pita Ahki in his squad for the July Tests ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

The pair are joined by a host of players who’ve used the 2022 change in eligibility laws to represent a second Test nation provided they have a close and credible link to that union via birth-right.’

Former All Blacks Vaea Fifita, Augustine Pulu, Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa, and George Moala feature in the squad, as do former Wallabies Lopeti Timani and Israel Folau. Fifita, in his time, was a fan favorite, emerging from the Hurricanes lineup, dazzling all with rugby tickets, but failed to stay consistent with his performances for the All Blacks. 

He later moved to play for the Scarlets in Wales in 2022 and now makes his entry back in Tongan colors. 

Coleman and Ahki are two of just three first-time call-ups, with Tonga Sevens star Kyren Taumoefolau completing the trio.

Coleman’s late father, Pau’u Afeaki, skippered Tonga back in the 80s, and Adam now qualifies for Tonga, having played the last of his 38 Tests for the Wallabies in 2019. 

“He’s keen to represent the Tongan side of his heritage and experience a World Cup again. It’s a connection he feels strongly about,” Kefu said of Coleman.

Meanwhile, Toulouse star Ahki qualifies for Tonga again, having last played for the New Zealand sevens in 2016. The 30-year-old center has been a critical member of Toulouse’s backline since joining the side from Connacht in 2018. 

He has won two Top 14 and a Champions Cup title with the side, starting all three finals. 

Ahki represented Tonga and New Zealand at U20 level before playing for the Blues and Hurricanes in Super Rugby.

Tonga begin their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France with Tests against Fiji and Japan on July 22 and 30, respectively.

They are in group B, where they will face current world number-one-ranked side Ireland, defending champions South Africa, Scotland, and Romania. 

Before the world cup gets underway, plenty of more rugby action is lined up, with the Rugby Championship and the international friendlies. If you are a rugby fan, 2023 is your year; it is almost time to book the rugby tickets.