According to New Zealand’s ONE News, a handful of former New Zealand international’s will look to represent the Pacific Islands in next year’s Rugby World Cup, thanks to a loophole in the IRFU eligibility rules.
According to the rule, which was ratified when Rugby Sevens was included as an Olympic event, a player who has played at test level for one country will be eligible for another country, should they hold that nations passport.
Any switch in national allegiance is predicated on the player not having played international Rugby for the past 18 months, but, should they fulfill that criteria, they will be eligible to represent their nation of origin in Sevens’ World Series or Olympic Qualification and, therefore, be eligible to represent that country in all forms of Rugby.
Several former New Zealand internationals and Mark Gerrard, a former Australian representative, will look to switch allegiance to the three Pacific Island nations, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
For Tonga, former All Blacks Anthony Tuitavake and Sam Tuitupou and ex-Wallabies Mark Gerrard and Sitaleki Timani have expressed their interest in switching allegiance.
As for Samoa, Former All Blacks Sevens representatives Alando Soakai, Lifeimi Mafi and Roy Kinikinilau are also on board for the Ikale Tahi while Tim Nanai-Williams has confirmed his desire to play for Manu Samoa.
Fiji, too, have been cited by players who are keen to switch their national allegiances with several players, including Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu, eligible to represent them.
Speaking on the advent of the new rule, Tongan Rugby Union chairman, Epi Taione, welcomed the change and expects more high profile players to change their allegiance in the coming weeks.
“So far it’s been very positive from every single player so we’re quite chuffed about the response we’ve had so far,” said Taione.
“Since hearing about this loophole that the IRB has made, us ex-New Zealand players that are playing abroad are very keen to switch,” added Taione.
According to Taione, the Tongan association have set up an ambitious list of potential representatives, including George Smith, who qualifies for Tonga through his mother, and Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna.
Although their intentions aren’t clear at this stage, other former All Blacks, including Casey Laulala, Chris Masoe, Lelia Masaga and Mose Tuiali, could make the switch to one of the Pacific Islands.