Every player who has CHANGED nationalities for the Rugby World Cup : PlanetRugby

The Rugby World Cup is on our doorstep and there is much to discuss including the influence of the eligibility law change which makes its first appearance at the global showpiece.

Traditionally rugby limited players to representing one nation, however, late in 2021 World Rugby changed the eligibility laws allowing players to change nationalities provided specific criteria has been met which include 1) less than 100 Tests played, 2) a three-year stand down from Test rugby and 3) a parent or grandparent must have been born in the country the player wishes to represent.

The ruling was founded with the basis of helping mainly the Pacific nations who often see their talent play abroad, however, other countries have also capitalised on the change. Planet Rugby takes a closer look at all the players at the Rugby World Cup who have changed nationality.

Switched allegiance

Pool A

Across the first pool, there are no players who have changed nationality. There are several former All Blacks who have moved to Pacific nations but not the other way around.

Pool B

Tonga are the team with the most converted players with five of them making their second Test debut since the law change. Controversial outside back Israel Folau missed out on the World Cup squad whilst former Wallabies team-mate Adam Coleman earned a call-up in the second-row. A trio of quality former All Blacks Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa (a 2015 World Cup winner) and George Moala are all heading to France to represent their home nation. The addition of these players make Tonga an intriguing entity at the global tournament.

It’s a proud day for @MalakaiFekitoa ??#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/ePM8FZx8sY

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 21, 2023

After voting against the law change, South Africa has made use of it through second-row Jean Kleyn who was born in the country. After some time with the Stormers, he headed to Munster where he became eligible through naturalisation and played on five occasions for Ireland in 2019 including two appearances at the World Cup. After a United Rugby Championship winning season the defending world champions recruited the lock.

? “I had to do a bit of a double take in terms of did he actually call me!”

Jean Kleyn on that phone call from Rassie Erasmus ?

? Watch the full interview with @Brendennel on our website: https://t.co/kLKqsT9X6f pic.twitter.com/UnV7eGYDDO

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 6, 2023

Scotland have also capitalised on the change through loose forward Jack Dempsey who is a former Wallaby. Dempsey looks completely transformed and is playing out of his socks in the colours of Scotland. Since his move to Glasgow Warriors Dempsey has found impressive form earning him a World Cup spot in an emerging side.

Pool C

Much like Pool A, there are no players who have changed nationalities in Pool C.

Pool D

Samoa are second in terms of how many converted players they have in their squad with a total of four which…