The UAFC

International players will be able to switch nationality if revolutionary changes to eligibility rules are voted through by World Rugby later this month.

Under the new proposals, players will be able to represent the country of their or their ancestors' birth after a three-year stand-down period.

The likes of All Blacks superstar Charles Piutau could represent Tonga as soon as next year in what would be a major boost to Pacific Island nations before the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The World Rugby council will discuss the proposals at the next meeting on 24 November, with a 75% majority, or 39 of 52 votes, required for the ruling to pass.

World Rugby has already extended the residency qualification period from three years to five years, with this ruling set to take effect from 31 December 2021.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/59139431

If it's good for the likes of the Pacific Islanders and other small nations, I'm for it. Let's see the details and how it actually works out.

Some terrible haircuts in the English squad.

Scotland beat Japan 29-20, makes the Irish result look good. Two big games today, England currently beating the Boks. France v New Zealand later.

Vermulen survived unscathed.

germcevoy wrote:Vermulen survived unscathed.

Am more worried about him surviving a week on the beer and a nothing game for the baa baas.

England squeak past the Boks.
The Boks missed three kicks and two try scoring opportunities weresquandered. Sometimes the better team doesn't win.

The raw power of the Boks in the second have was a sight to behold. Their scrum in the first half faltered. Pollard couldn’t miss in the first half then let two go begging that would have given them the lead. A good game. Winning without being the better team is never a bad trait.

It was indeed a good game.

A bunch of those English lads are kids an’ all.

Steward sounded like a decent lad.

Frighteningly the undoubted young talent across English clubs being allowed to display in the national team

The All Blacks paying the price for their self inflicted bonkers schedule. They just looked shagged and France rolled the dice in style. I thought the French would fold like a paper bag once the All Blacks got back to within two but they were class.

Three great games out of four today. My eyes hurt. I’m sure seeing Murray box kicking it all afternoon tomorrow will round out an entertaining weekend.

France v New Zealand was a great watch, but New Zealand should always wear black. That grey/white kit was meh...

Rounded off by These Charming Men at the Empire.

Good day all round.

https://www.world.rugby/news/672653/wor ... fer-unions

Regulation 8 rule change got go ahead.

From 1 January, 2022, in order to transfer from one union to another under the revised Regulation 8 (eligibility), a player will need to achieve the below criteria:

The player must stand-down from international rugby for 36 months

The player must either be born in the country to which they wish to transfer or have a parent or grandparent born in that country

Under the revised Regulation 8 criteria, a player may only change union once and each case will be subject to approval by the World Rugby Regulations Committee to preserve integrity

Some former ABs/Wallabies that COULD play test rugby next year:

Samoa
Julian Savea, Victor Vito, Lima Sopoaga, Francis Saili, Steven Luatua, Henry Speight, Chris Feauia-Sautia, Joe Tomane

Tonga
Charles Piutau, Israel Folau, Vaea Fifita, George Moala, Augustine Pulu, Sekope Kepu

@tomvinicombe

Murray Kinsella accurately pointed out that if Spain qualified for RWC 2023, Jordi Murphy could in theory play for them. His stand down period assuming no more Irish caps would end November 2022.