Several ex-New Zealand and Australia internationals have confirmed that they will lodge an application to switch allegiances to a Pacific Island nation with whom they hold a passport, with a view to participating at the Rugby World Cup in England next year.
With the inclusion of rugby 7s at the Olympics in 2016, there has been a change in eligibility laws that will see players who have represented one nation now eligible to play for another, if they hold a passport from that country.
If they have not played international rugby in the past 18 months, they will be eligible for their new country in the Sevens World Series or designated Regional Olympic Qualification Tournaments and would thus be able to play for that country in all forms of rugby.
Amongst those that have already expressed a desire to switch nationalities are former All Blacks Anthony Tuitavake and Sam Tuitupou, and ex-Wallabies Mark Gerrard and Sitaleki Timani, who will apply to play for Tonga under IRB Regulation 8.
All Blacks sevens representatives Alando Soakai, Lifeimi Mafi and Roy Kinikinilau have also confirmed they will switch allegiance to Tonga, while Tim Nanai-Williams will make the switch to Samoa.
Other big name players that would be eligible to make the switch include All Black wingers Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu, both of whom could play for Fiji, and Casey Laulala, Chris Masoe and Lelia Masaga, who are eligible for Samoa.
Former Wallaby great George Smith, meanwhile, would be eligible for Tonga, and Chairman of Tonga Rugby Epi Taione has said the new laws have led him to draw up a ‘hit list’ of players he wants to play for Tonga, which includes Smith along with Waikato Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna.
“So far it’s been very positive from every single player so we’re quite chuffed about the response we’ve had so far,” Taione told tvnz.co.nz. “It’s the biggest positive news in my time as a player and now as an administrator for Tonga.”
“We have been close but rugby is moving and we have to be on our toes and change with the times. These guys being available for us is huge news for Tongan rugby.”
This eligibility loophole is the same one that was in the news recently with the report that Steffon Armitage could make a sensational switch to France in time for the World Cup, should he gain citizenship and have the opportunity to play in a sevens tournament in time.
This change will definitely make the south island teams stronger. Two important things I noticed is “all forms of the game” and “held a passport if that country”.
Not had time to fully digest this news, but first impression is that this could open a can of worms in future, not sure I like this one, turning international rugby into club rugby where you can swop countries as you see fit. But then again it would make the Pacific Island teams more competitive at the World Cup. This would be of interest to South Africa and Scotland as they are in same group as them : “Casey Laulala, Chris Masoe and Lelia Masaga, who are eligible for Samoa. ” – really good players those.
Amazing that we draw the filthy Moans in every World Cup and all they do is try and take our heads off.
Makes you wonder.
Who may be eligible in theory isn’t necessarily the guys who will want to play. It’ll be a bunch of mostly has beens who want to try and extend their moment in the sun.
I have no problem with it. I believe that Luke McWatson is practicing his scottish accent as we speak.
@ Stormersboy:
I’m not sure the Scots can afford him.
@ gunther: Aye.
Especially when you take into account the “you pay, even though I don’t play” trend in his career. 😉
@ gunther:
@ Stormersboy:
There is no kilt big enough to cover his cajones.
It takes some serious balls to say you want to puke on the Bok jersey and then just a week later you run out at Loftus to face Bakkies and co.
😉
@ nortierd:
On a serious note Luke can be accused of many things but no-one can doubt the fact that he has plenty of guts… same applies to his dad i suppose. As a captain I rate him higher than Schalk and even perhaps as Jean… it’s a pity things turned out as it did.. the young WP currie cup team that he led a few seasons ago was the best we had in a long time and if it was not for the stupidity or laziness of Naqualavaki they would have beaten a full strenght Bull team at Newlands on that fateful day. It was also the day of Schalk’s best tackle ever ( on Fourie du Preez) and Bakkies’ cowardly attack on Aplon who was caught in a ruck and could not defend himself.
@ robzim:
No doubt, he was a warrior on the field, and his leadership credentials are there for all to see.
Is there really a difference between what he said and Frans turning his back on the Bokke?
Yet Frans won’t be vilified even remotely as much as Luke.
@ nortierd:
Good point. One can perhaps even argue that Luke took his stance based on moral grounds and Frans because of money? Its all water under the bridge now I suppose.
Hahahahahaha keep trying.
😆
10 @ robzim:
Precisely….however, even though Frans’ reason ultimately boils down to money, his reason were also morally, but his morals.
6 of the one, half a dozen of the other, but one thing’s for sure, people will forgive him much quicker
When most of white SA said…………………………….”this shit is okay”.
Cheeky said, “Hold on a minute, my Bible does not translate that way”.
This was the stand of a very brave man indeed. Given the time and the circumstance.
As for Luke………………………………………a private conversation was taped. How many of us could be nailed to a cross for our private utterances.
13 @ cane:
Agree with what you say, but we have a saying here, “there are no pills for stupidity.”
Luke was / is in the public eye.
He should have been more circumspect and kept his thought to himself when in a public place.
As for his father, we can only comment on what is in the public domain. I personally wont say anything about Luke of his faher.
I quite liked Luke as a player, especially his play when he was at Bath.
His father’s moral stance is not for me to question or comment on. I do not know him and have never spoken to him.
Other bloggers on this site have some very different insights and ideas about Cheeky.
Whether they’re right or not is not for me to decide.
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