A historic programme of reform of rugby’s international eligibility regulation has been approved by the World Rugby Council after a special meeting in Japan.
The World Rugby Council made a decision to scrap the three year qualification period in favour of a more stringent five year qualifying process.
This new change is intended to protect the more economically vulnerable Pacific Island nations and will bring to an end the practice of players taken overseas to play for rugby clubs and for the nation of their current residency.
Two recent examples would be Fijian No.8 for the Wasps Nathan Hughes who qualified for England last season and Sale Sharks wing, Denny Solomona, who has been picked for England’s tour of South Africa only a matter of weeks after qualifying on the three year ruling
The France Rugby Union has been at the forefront pressing for change saying there are grave concerns about the number of overseas players in the France Top 14 domestic league, several of whom have come through to become eligible for the national side.
The France‑Australia game last November saw all four wing positions occupied by Fijian players.
