Foreign-Born Players at 2020 Six Nations: FULL LIST - Ruck

Foreign-Born Players at 2020 Six Nations: FULL LIST


The hot topic of foreign-born players returned this week when England U20 stars Nick Tompkins and Billy Burns were called up by Wales and Ireland respectively.

RUCK takes an in-depth look at the foreign-born players in each of the home nations squad, where they were born and how they are eligible.

IRELAND – 7 (0% change)

Seven of Ireland’s roster are foreign-born. Of them two gained eligibility after arriving as adults on professional rugby contracts – CJ Stander, and Bundee Aki. Stander captained the Baby Boks while Billy Burns and Will Addison both played for England U20’s. 

  1. Rob Herring – Hooker – Cape Town, South Africa – Grandparent
  2. Ultan Dillane – Lock – Paris, France – Parent
  3. CJ Stander – No.8 – George, South Africa, Residency (2016)
  4. Luke McGrath – Scrum-half – Ontario, Canada – Parent
  5. Billy Burns – Fly-half – Bath, England – Grandparent
  6. Bundee Aki – Centre – Auckland, New Zealand – Residency (2017)
  7. Will Addison – Fullback – Penrith, England – Paren

FRANCE – 4 (+33%) 

With four foreign-born players France has the lowest of the rosters named from the Six Nations unions. France also has a different requirement as in order to play for Les Bleus players must carry a French passport.

  1. Bernard le Roux – Lock – Western Cape, South Africa – Residency (2013)
  2. Paul Willemse – Lock – South Africa – Residency (2018)
  3. Virimi Vakatawa – Winger/Centre – Rangiora, New Zealand – Residency (2013)
  4. Gabriel N’Gandebe – Winger – Douala, Cameroon

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