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.
Sam Warburton names his 2025 British & Irish Lions XV
Wales legend Sam Warburton believes five England players deserve starting spots for the British & Irish Lions in next summer’s three-Test series in Australia.
Writing in his Times column, Wales’ Rugby World Cup co-captain Jac Morgan was the sole Welshman in his starting XV.
Warburton also surprised many by including Bath tighthead Archie Griffin on the bench, following the 22-year-old’s impressive performances for Wales in Australia this summer.
He also selected Wales hooker Dewi Lake among his replacements.
Despite Wales’ nine consecutive Test defeats, the former Lions captain remains confident in their potential to contribute strongly to the Lions next summer.
Sam Warburton’s 2025 Lions team:
15. Blair Kinghorn
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Duhan van der Merwe
