RUGBY CONFIDENTIAL: The latest rift causing friction among nations, the ineligible future England star wanted by Premiership side and how Ilona Maher is already creating history

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RUGBY CONFIDENTIAL: The latest rift causing friction among nations, the ineligible future England star wanted by Premiership side and how Ilona Maher is already creating history
Published: Dec, 18 2024 17:00

Concerns are growing World Rugby’s latest eligibility changes are leading to more young players being poached by England and New Zealand. Coaches in Wales have expressed concerns that amendments to Regulation 8 has opened the door to a talent drain through expensive English public schools.

 [Teenage hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu is the latest player Wales have lost to the English system]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Teenage hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu is the latest player Wales have lost to the English system]

The governing body have loosened their eligibility criteria doer national selection, with players no longer required to complete 60 months of unbroken residency. Teenage hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu, born in Pontypool and educated at Harrow School, is the latest player that Wales have lost to the English system.

 [Harlequins have expressed an interest in signing English lock Junior Kpoku from Racing 92]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Harlequins have expressed an interest in signing English lock Junior Kpoku from Racing 92]

One Welsh source said the changes will ‘screw us’ as the proud rugby nation tries to get back on track after a disastrous year of results for Warren Gatland. The new regulations state that, from 1st August 2024, ‘rugby registration over a 60-month period will need to be demonstrated via registration with a rugby body, including a national union or club.

 [Kpoku told Mail Sport he wants to improve to the standard Steve Borthwick needs him to be at]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Kpoku told Mail Sport he wants to improve to the standard Steve Borthwick needs him to be at]

Wales are among nations concerned eligibility rules are leading to more players being poached. Teenage hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu is the latest player Wales have lost to the English system. ‘The amendment was approved by the Council following extensive consultation with unions and players and is aimed to address challenges that arise for unions within territories where recording entry and exit from a country is not straightforward.’.

 [Danny Care and Marcus Smith watched Cinderella at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Danny Care and Marcus Smith watched Cinderella at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden]

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