Rugby’s governing body raised the residency period needed for Test eligibility from three to five years on Tuesday following years of controversy over players switching countries.
The amended rule, which comes into effect at the end of 2020, “ensures that a player has a genuine, close, credible and established link with the nation of representation”, a World Rugby statement said.
Pacific island nations have been particularly hard-hit by the so-called “brawn drain” to richer countries, who frequently include naturalised players in their squads.
“This is an historic moment for the sport and a great step towards protecting the integrity, ethos and stature of international rugby,” World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot said.
“National team representation is the reward for devoting your career, your rugby life, to your nation and these amendments will ensure that the international arena is full of players devoted to their nation, who got there on merit.”
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