IRELAND (9/36)
Ireland’s policy of restricting places in their provincial sides for Irish-eligible players has had the knock-on effect of an increase in the number of so-called ‘project’ players who qualify or will qualify, on residency. Examples in this year’s squad include Bundee Aki, Quinn Roux and CJ Stander. The number is up to nine from six in 2017
1. Rob Herring – born in South Africa – Grandparent
2. CJ Stander – born in South Africa – Residency (2015)
3. Quinn Roux – born in South Africa – Residency (2016)
4. Jordi Murphy – born in Spain – Parent
5. Luke McGrath – born in Canada – Parent
6. Bundee Aki – born in New Zealand – Residency (2017)
7. Joey Carbery – born in New Zealand – Parent
8. Ultan Dillane – born in France – Parent
9. Kieran Marmion – born in England – Parent
ITALY (8/34)
Conor O’Shea had eight foreign-born players in his Six Nations squad a year ago and has maintained that number heading into the 2018 edition.