LAW DOES PACIFIC ISLANDS NO FAVOURS

THE new eligibility laws in rugby are a terrible idea. From January 1, players will no longer be tied to one country and can switch providing they have a birth right or a qualifying relative and stand down from Test rugby for three years. Potentially, Billy (right) and Mako Vunipola could play for Tonga from March 2024. By which time, Mako will be 33 and Billy 31. They will have given their prime years to England and would take the place of younger Tongans, whose progress would be thwarted. The Pacific Islands think it will make them more

competitive, and this may be true, but it destroys the pathway and makes it more likely domestic players will seek opportunities with Tier One nations, knowing they can return home near the end. How does this help? Proper investment is the way forward, not artificial ruses.