Why Ireland-capped Jean Kleyn can play for the Springboks
The Springboks surprised a few by calling up Jean Kleyn for their Rugby Championship squad leaving some wondering how this was possible. Kleyn was a big star for Munster in their United Rugby Championship campaign and had some in Ireland calling for his return to the national team squad. ALSO READ: Springboks legends set to be […]
The Springboks surprised a few by calling up Jean Kleyn for their Rugby Championship squad leaving some wondering how this was possible.
Kleyn was a big star for Munster in their United Rugby Championship campaign and had some in Ireland calling for his return to the national team squad.
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WHY THE SPRINGBOKS CAN PICK JEAN KLEYN?
However it seems that the Springboks have made an approach to Kleyn who meets the conditions for a switch of nationality according to a rule change that took effect in 2022.
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World Rugby relaxed its eligibility rules to allow national team players to switch countries provided they have not played a Test match in 36 months.
According to the altered conditions, Players can change allegiances if they were born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent born there.
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This kind of switch can only been done once in a player’s career and cannot be reversed.
MUNSTER HAVE A PROBLEM
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Should Kleyn accept the call-up and receive a cap he will confirm a switch of allegience which could cause issues for Munster as he will drop his status as an Ireland-qualified player which could throw off the Province’s squad.
When the rule change was instituted it appeared to be for the benefit of Pacific Island nations that could gain veteran Test players that other nations have deemed surplus to requirements.
However, the rule change does open up a pathway back into Test rugby for a number of South African-born stars who made their name in foreign international teams.
“Approval of this landmark regulatory change is the culmination of detailed and widespread modeling and consultation across the game,” World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said in the announcement.
“The change recognizes the modern professional rugby environment without compromising the integrity of the international game.
“We believe that this is the fairest way to implement progressive change that puts players first while also having the potential to support a growing, increasingly competitive international men’s and women’s game.”
World Rugby’s regulations committee must still approve Kleyn’s application.