World Rugby has announced changes to its national team eligibility rules, under Regulation 8, following approval by the World Rugby Council in October 2023. The changes, effective from 1 August 2024, modify the residency requirements for players seeking to represent a national team.
Under the revised Regulation 8.1(c), players with a close and credible link to a national union will no longer need to complete five years of unbroken residency in the country before they can represent that union. Instead, the player must demonstrate “rugby registration” over the 60-month period, which includes being registered with a national union or club.
This change addresses challenges faced by unions in territories where tracking entry and exit from the country is difficult. The responsibility now lies with the union and rugby body to provide proof of continuous registration when determining a player’s eligibility based on rugby residency.
World Rugby emphasised that this amendment followed extensive consultation with unions and players, reflecting the need for a more practical approach to eligibility in today’s global rugby landscape.
