The Rugby World Cup is fast approaching, with a short Summer series being the last remaining stop on the road to the tournament. Introduced in January 2022, World Rugby’s eligibility laws now allow for players to play for a second country, even if they have previously represented a nation.
The players require a three-year ‘stand-down’ period from international competition, before they can play for their new country. The player must also have either been born in the country they wish to represent, or have at least a Grandfather or Grandmother of that nationality.
Here are five players who have already made the most of the new laws, and swapped nations in time to represent new countries at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
- Jack Dempsey – Australia to Scotland
Back-rower Jack Dempsey represented the Wallabies from 2017 to 2019, and featured in their 2019 Rugby World Cup squad. Stepping away from Australian duties after their Quarter Final exit to England, Dempsey made the change to play for Scotland through his Grandfather’s heritage, with the new eligibility laws coming into affect.
Dempsey enjoyed a seven year stint playing club rugby in Australia, for the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby, and the North Harbour Rays provincial side. The Number Eight signed for Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2021/22 United Rugby Championship season, and immediately caught the eye of Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend.
With a powerful first step, bruising carries and impressive handling skills, Dempsey is a complete number eight. Coincidentally, Dempsey made his Scotland debut in the 2022 Autumn Series, against his former nation of Australia. He has since gone on to be a prominent feature in the Scotland set up, and became a fan favourite throughout the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.