England forward can swap nations and play for Springboks at next World Cup

Wednesday, 02 April 2025 at 16:14

bySteven Smith

South African-born lock David Ribbans has shut down speculation about a potential switch to the Springboks, admitting that the idea feels "strange" to him.

, Ribbans revealed his mixed emotions about potentially switching allegiance to the country of his birth.

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Ribbans, 28, was born in Somerset West, South Africa, and came through the ranks at Western Province before moving to England in 2017 to join Northampton Saints.

His strong performances earned him a call-up to the England squad, and he went on to earn five caps under Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick. Now playing for Toulon in France, Ribbans has reflected on his international future.

"England became my second home"

Speaking to the Telegraph

“Would I consider it? You never say never with these things and South Africa was my home originally, but England has become my second home and I was super proud to play for them," he said. "I find it a bit strange when players play for two countries."

He clarified that his stance wasn’t a dig at South Africa but rather a personal belief: “This is no slight on the Springboks, who are an amazing team. It’s just my view and I’m a bit stubborn in it. I’d put aside the potential glory for that because it wouldn’t be right towards England.”

Frustration with England experience

Ribbans also opened up about his time in the England camp, admitting that he struggled to make a real impact on the Test scene.

“I had been in and out, making squads but not getting enough caps, attending broader training camps without getting a shot. When Steve took over, to be honest, it was more of the same. He had worked with the Leicester boys and the Saracens boys, so they had a nudge on me.

“It was great that he took me to the World Cup when he knew I was coming here, but I was sat on the sidelines for it. Ultimately, in terms of playing, I don’t look back that fondly on it. I wanted to be more involved and thought I could kick on, but it wasn’t to be.”

Now fully focused on his club career with Toulon, Ribbans looks unlikely to chase a Springboks call-up, despite the new World Rugby eligibility laws allowing players to switch nations after a three-year stand-down period. For him, the England chapter may not have been everything he hoped for, but it remains a proud part of his journey.

Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions

The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player's career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.

While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.

From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.

2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker

Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.

Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.

However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.

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2017 tour: Stuart Hogg – A case of bad luck

Stuart Hogg was primed to be the Lions' Test full-back in 2017, but fate had other plans. The Scottish star suffered a freak injury in the third game of the tour against the Crusaders, colliding with Conor Murray’s elbow and fracturing his eye socket.

While injuries are unfortunate, Hogg’s Lions career as a whole was disappointing. He failed to make a significant impact on the 2013 or 2021 tours either, making him one of the most underwhelming repeat selections in Lions history.

2013 tour: Tom Court – The holiday call-up

If there was ever a Lions selection that left fans scratching their heads, it was Tom Court in 2013. The Ireland prop wasn’t even in the original squad – he was on holiday with his family when he got the call-up.

Thrown into the squad late, Court was never going to be a game-changer. He did manage to hold his own in the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels, but his inclusion remains one of the strangest in Lions history.

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2009 tour: Alun Wyn Jones – A rare disaster for the legend

Alun Wyn Jones is a Lions legend – but his 2009 tour was anything but legendary. A young second-row at the time, he struggled against the formidable Springbok pack, leading Bleacher Report to rate his performances a dismal 4/10.

Jones was criticised for losing the ball in contact, looking out of his depth, and failing to impose himself physically. At times, he even looked "terrified" according to some reports. It was a rocky start to a Lions career that would later see him become one of the most respected captains in history.

2005 tour: Andy Titterrell – The most questionable selection?

The 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand was an unmitigated disaster, and some of the squad selections did little to help. Among the most baffling was Sale Sharks hooker Andy Titterrell, who had just two England caps to his name.

Sir Clive Woodward’s decision to take a bloated 44-man squad led to several left-field inclusions, but Titterrell stood out as particularly bizarre. Lacking the physicality and technical ability required at this level, he made little impact and was quickly forgotten.