World Rugby to vote on easing rules on player Test team switches

Players will be able to represent their ancestors' or their country of birth after a three-year stand-down period. World Rugby council will discuss the proposals at the next meeting on 24 November. 75% majority of votes are required for the ruling to pass.

World Rugby to vote on easing rules on player Test team switches. Under current rules, a player is "captured" once they have won a senior cap and cannot play for another nation. Rugby sevens' inclusion in the Olympic Games from 2016 has provided an eligibility loophole. Malakai Fekitoa is an example of a former All Blacks player who switched nationality after representing Tonga in Olympic qualifying events.

World Rugby to vote on easing rules on player Test team switches. Players would be eligible for a nationality switch after they have not played international rugby for three years. Pacific Island countries are likely to support the changes. There are concerns about the unintended consequence of allowing players to switch. There is also concern it could discriminate against other Tier Two countries.