IRB Rule Change Could Allow Former New Zealand Players To Represent Pacific Islands

Int'l rugby could be "about to go through its biggest shake-up for some time after a change in eligibility laws mean a number of ex-New Zealand internationals could soon be playing for the likes of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji" ahead of the 2015 World Cup, according to Jack De Menezes of the London INDEPENDENT. A ruling "now means that players can represent a second country providing they hold a passport for that nation and have not played for their current side for at least 18 months." New Zealand publication tvnz.co.nz is reporting that ex-internationals have "already agreed to represent the Pacific Islands at next year's World Cup, due to be held in England, while more could be eying the switch with 14 months to go until England get the tournament underway against Fiji." As long as players have not represented their country for the past 18 months, "they can participate in either the Sevens World Series or a designated Regional Olympic Qualification Tournament" (INDEPENDENT, 7/28).