Skip to content
GO TO bet365 Sports
Rugby Union
  1. Rugby Union
  2. International Rugby Union

How do rugby's international eligibility rules work?

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.

Rugby Union

How does a rugby player qualify for a country?

In international rugby, there are four ways a player can qualify for a country:

  • Birth country
  • Via parents or grandparents
  • Residency in the country (recently increased to 60 months from 36 months in 2022)
  • 10 years of cumulative residency throughout life

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.

How can a rugby player switch nationality?

An international rugby player can switch nationality providing they complete two steps:

  • Not played for their original country for 36 months
  • Qualify for the new country by birth or via their parents or grandparents

How do international rugby selection rules differ by country?

England, Ireland & New Zealand

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.

Wales

'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.

Australia

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.

Home Nations foreign-born international rugby players

The following notable Home Nations rugby players have opted to represent countries other than those they were born in at international level:

England:

  • Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Born in Wales)
  • Sam Underhill (Born in the United States)
  • Marcus Smith (Born in the Philippines)

Scotland:

  • Pierre Schoeman (Born in South Africa)
  • Ali Price (Born in England)
  • Ben White (Born in England)
  • Sione Tuipulotu (Born in Australia)
  • Kyle Rowe (Born in England)
  • Duhan van der Merwe (Born in South Africa)
  • Tom Jordan (Born in New Zealand)
  • Ewan Ashman (Born in Canada)
  • Jack Dempsey (Born in Australia)

Wales:

  • Will Rowlands (Born in England)
  • Taulupe Faletau (Born in Tonga)

Ireland:

  • Rob Herring (Born in South Africa)
  • Bundee Aki (Born in New Zealand)
  • Jamison Gibson-Park (Born in New Zealand)
  • Mack Hansen (Born in Australia)
  • James Lowe (Born in New Zealand)

Related Articles

bet365 uses cookies

We use cookies to deliver a better and more personalised service. For more information, see our Cookie Policy

New to bet365? Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets Join Now

Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.