World Rugby extend residency period for international eligibility to five years

As expected, World Rugby voted yesterday to increase the required residency period to be eligible for international

rugby from three to five years.

The sport’s global governing body approved the recommended extension that has been driven by vice-chairman Agustin Pichot at a council meeting held in Kyoto ahead of the 2019 World Cup draw.

It is hoped that raising the level from 36 to 60 months will safeguard the playing resources of smaller nations – particularly the Pacific Island teams – by discouraging their stars from pledging allegiance to other countries.

All four starting wings in France’s Test against Australia last autumn were of Fijian origin, while England have also benefited through the previous three-year residency requirement by picking Nathan Hughes, Semesa Rokoduguni and most recently Denny Solomona.

Scotland have used the rule to cap Tim Visser and the South Africa-born trio of WP Nel, Josh Strauss and Cornell du Preez.

“This is an historic moment for the sport and a great step towards protecting the integrity, ethos and stature of international rugby,” Pichot said.

“National team representation is the reward for devoting your career and your rugby life to your nation.

“These amendments will ensure that the international arena is full of players devoted to their nation, who got there on merit.”