Rugby World Cup: Birthright rule could revolutionize tournament as Tonga and Samoa benefit
World Rugby’s Heritage Rule could revolutionize this tournament.
The birthright eligibility clause could narrow the gap between first and second tier nations as this is the first World Cup to have the rule change allowing capped players to move to another Test team after a three-year break.
A player who has completed the international match can now join the national team of a country in which either he or his parents or grandparents were born after a three-year break.
The move is intended to prevent New Zealand, Australian and even European teams from depleting the talent pool of less wealthy nations, particularly the Pacific Islands. The All Blacks and Wallabies are notorious for signing players with one or two caps to prevent them from representing their family’s Pacific nation.
The practice has robbed Test rugby of global superstars in all eras, but if players are now willing to step away for three years, switching allegiances is a real option. The cast of rich talents who have already made use of the rule and will perform at this World Cup tell their own compelling story.
Tonga have significantly strengthened their squad with former All Blacks Charles Piutau, Vaea Fifita, Malakai Fekitoa, Augustine Pulu and George Moala.
Tau Koloamatangi is now available after representing the New Zealand U20 national team, with Pita Ahki also moving on as the Toulouse star played for the New Zealand sevens.
Former All Black Malakai Fekitoa now plays for Tonga thanks to the new birthright rule
/ AFP via Getty ImagesFormer Wallabies lock Adam Coleman is another top player who has added to coach Toutai Kefu’s squad. Charlie Faumuina played 50 caps for New Zealand between 2012 and 2017 and was part of the 2015 World Cup-winning squad.
The 36-year-old has not played Test rugby for six years but will now take part in the World Cup with Samoa. Lima Sopoaga and Steven Luatua remain converted All Blacks, while Ben Lam and Fritz Lee were previously captured as Sevens for New Zealand.
Christian Leali’ifano has made the move from Australia and few will begrudge the popular playmaker a return to testing following his successful battle with leukemia in 2016.
England face Samoa in their final group game and prop Kyle Sinckler has no doubts about the threat that awaits him.
“The Pacific Islands teams are no joke, especially with the new rules,” Sinckler said. “I was watching the Samoa team recently, my God! It’s always the real deal and that’s why it’s called Test rugby.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-birthright-rule-tonga-samoa-b1105616.html Rugby World Cup: Birthright rule could revolutionize tournament as Tonga and Samoa benefit
