Date set for vote on switching back Test allegiance

INTERNATIONAL players will be able to switch nationality if changes to eligibility rules are voted through by World Rugby later this month.

Under the new proposals, players will be able to represent the country of their or their ancestors’ birth after a three-year stand-down period.

Fijian-born Bristol No.8 Nathan Hughes, who won the last of his 22 England caps in 2019, could then be able to switch to his home country in 2022.

And his Bristol teammate, former All Black Charles Piutau, could represent Tonga. Both would provide Pacific Island nations with a major boost before the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The World Rugby council will discuss the proposals at the next meeting on November 24, with a 75 per cent majority, or 39 of 52 votes, required for the ruling to pass.

Under the current rules, a player is “captured” once they have won a senior cap – a nation’s 2nd XV and sevens team can also capture players – and are unable to play for another nation.

Rugby sevens’ inclusion in the Olympic Games from 2016 has provided an eligibility loophole. Former All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa switched nationality after representing Tonga in Olympic qualifying events.

Fekitoa, who won 24 New Zealand caps between 2014 and 2017, became eligible for the country of his birth earlier this year. He would have played against England yesterday were it not for injury. However, the prospect of playing sevens is weighted towards backs as opposed to forwards.

Under the new plans, a player would be eligible for a nationality switch once they have not played international rugby for three years and have a “close and credible link” to another country – through birth or the birthplace of parents or grandparents.

Players would only be able to switch once in their careers.

World Rugby has already extended the residency qualification period from three years to five years, with this ruling set to take effect from December 31 2021.