Following the World Rugby Council decision in October 2023, an adjustment to World Rugby Regulation 8.1 (c) governing national eligibility has been adopted across the game.
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From 1 August, 2024, any player with a genuine, close, credible and established link to a union is no longer required to complete 60 months (five years) of unbroken residency in the relevant country right up to the first time that player represents the union.
Under the revised approach ‘rugby registration” over a 60-month period will need to be demonstrated via registration with a rugby body, including a national union or club.
The amendment was approved by the Council following extensive consultation with unions and players and is aimed to address challenges that arise for unions within territories where recording entry and exit from a country is not straightforward.
The onus will be on the union and rugby body to demonstrate the relevant proof of unbroken registration when considering an eligibility case on rugby residency.
The full Regulation 8 can be found here.
England players who could swap nations:
#1. Zach Mercer to New Zealand
It’s noteworthy that the versatile number eight holds the option to switch his allegiance to New Zealand.
This possibility arises due to his eligibility for the All Blacks, facilitated by his father’s illustrious rugby league career that encompassed 21 Test appearances for the New Zealand team.
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