International rugby's eligibility rules have become a hot talking point in the sport with nations all over the globe taking advantage to strengthen their teams.
We take a deep dive into rugby's international eligibility rules and explain the relevant criteria determining which countries players can represent.
In international rugby, there are four ways a player can qualify for a country:
Once a player is capped by a country at senior international level in both XVs or sevens, they become 'captured' by them.
Rugby players are able to represent one country at youth level and then switch at senior level, with the action of being captured marked upon their first senior cap.
An international rugby player can switch nationality providing they complete two steps:
In England, Ireland and New Zealand, rugby players must play in their own country's domestic league to qualify for international selection.
There have been some notable exceptions to this rule, including when Ireland legend Johnny Sexton spent two years playing his club rugby in France for Racing 92 between 2013 and 2015.
'Gatland's Law' asserts that a player can start playing for Wales even if they don't play their domestic rugby in the country, however if upon the expiry of their contract they are offered a deal with a Welsh club they must accept to continue representing the nation.
After playing 25 international matches for Wales, players are able to move abroad at club level and still be eligible for their country.
In Australia, players have to be plying their trade in their home domestic league to be available to make their international debut.
However, as per 'Giteau's Law, once you have played more than one international match for Australia, you can be selected as one of a maximum of three players representing club teams overseas.
Australia have been proven to be more liberal with such rulings than other nations, allowing more overseas players to be selected in special circumstances.
The following notable Home Nations rugby players have opted to represent countries other than those they were born in at international level:
England:
Scotland:
Wales:
Ireland: