World Rugby have confirmed a change to their international eligibility laws, in what is a significant alteration to the previous ruling. The governing body have adjusted World Rugby Regulation 8.1 (c), and the changes have been in place since August 1st 2024.
The law change now means that a rugby player is no longer required to complete five years of residency in a country, before becoming eligible to play for that nation at Test match level. This applies to both the men’s and women’s game, however it is not confirmed whether this also applies to international rugby sevens.
The previous law was the reason why Spain were disqualified from the 2023 Rugby World Cup, after they had already qualified for the tournament. It was discovered that Spain had fielded an ineligible player in two qualification matches, as South Africa-born prop Gavin van den Berg made his debut, despite not fulfilling the previous residency requirements of three years.
A statement from World Rugby reads: “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.”
This is a significant development for smaller rugby nations, who have eligible players based at clubs overseas. World Rugby are continuing their mission of growing the sport across the world, and this law change can bolster the eligible roster of overseas talents for tier two and three countries.