World Rugby has approved a significant amendment to eligibility laws that will allow players to switch the national team they represent from January 2022.
It means there could be a possible scenario where England internationals Billy and Mako Vunipola could represent Tonga, as could Bristol’s former New Zealand international full-back Charles Piutau, given his heritage with the island.
Players will have to meet transfer qualification criteria by standing down from Test rugby for three years, and must either be born in the country they wish to represent or have a parent or grandparent born there.
A player is only allowed to change union once and each case will be subject to ratification by World Rugby’s regulations committee.
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Approval of this landmark regulatory change is the culmination of detailed and widespread modelling and consultation across the game.
“We have listened to our membership and players and sought to update the regulation recognising the modern professional rugby environment without compromising the integrity of the international game.
“Any player who wishes to transfer will need to have a close and credible link to their new union, namely birthright or parent or grandparent birthright, while meeting strong criteria, including a 36-month stand down period.
“We believe that this is the fairest way to implement progressive change that puts players first, while also having the potential to support a growing, increasingly competitive international men’s and women’s game.”
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