World Rugby has voted to increase the residency rule from 3 years to 5.
Previously players born outside of their country of residence could play for that country after living there for 3 years however it has been decided to increase the time needed – to protect the “integrity and credibility” of the international game.
The required residency period will be increased from three to five years from the end of 2020.
The change won’t affect the Likes of Munster’s Tyler Bleyendaal and Connacht’s Bundee Aki who could declare for Ireland next season.
