David Ribbans could be in line for a surprise opportunity to represent his birth country, South Africa, after injury struck Eben Etzebeth.
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Etzebeth is now racing to be fit for the Springboks’ July fixtures after picking up an injury during the Sharks’ defeat to Connacht.
At 34, there are increasing questions about how long he can remain at the top level, particularly as this setback comes soon after a 12-week suspension for an eye-gouge on Wales player Alex Mann.
As South Africa’s most-capped player, his absence would be a significant blow. It also adds to their problems at lock, with head coach Rassie Erasmus already without RG Snyman, who suffered an ACL injury while playing for Leinster.
With two experienced options sidelined, 30-year-old Ribbans may now be firmly on the radar for selection. He is currently playing for Toulon after six seasons with Northampton Saints.
Still, he is no longer eligible for England because of the RFU rule that prevents the selection of overseas-based players.
If he were to switch allegiance, he would still have to wait until the autumn before becoming available for South Africa, once his three-year stand-down period has been completed.
Ribbans has previous international experience with England. He was called into a senior training squad in 2020 under Eddie Jones and made his Test debut in 2022 against Japan. He also featured against New Zealand shortly after.
Under Steve Borthwick, he was included in England’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad. He played in three warm-up matches and started against Chile in the group stage.
While he missed the knockout games, he did come off the bench in England’s final match of the tournament, helping them secure third place with a win over Argentina.
OTHER ENGLAND STARS WHO CAN SWAP NATIONS:
Jack Willis
The flanker has been one of England’s standout back-row players, renowned for his relentless work at the breakdown and ball-carrying power. He last played for England in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and due to England’s rules restricting overseas-based players, he has not been selected since moving to France.
Willis qualifies to represent Ireland through his grandparents, but under World Rugby’s rules, he must complete a three-year stand-down period from his last England Test.
That period is expected to conclude in late 2026, making him eligible to switch allegiances in time for the 2027 World Cup. Should he make the move, Willis would become one of the most high-profile English rugby defections in history, bringing his dynamic back-row skills to the Irish squad.
Mako Vunipola
Mako is long established as an England prop, but with Tongan heritage via his parents and no England appearances since the 2023 World Cup, he could be eligible to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility rules (three‑year stand‑down + heritage) should he choose to pursue that route.
Dan Kelly
A talented centre currently playing in Ireland, Kelly has one senior England cap but has since appeared for Ireland A, aligning him with Ireland under current eligibility pathways.
England’s restrictions on overseas‑based players limited his opportunities with the Red Rose, but a full switch to Ireland gives him the chance for consistent Test rugby and a starting role at the 2027 World Cup.
Billy Vunipola
Billy also qualifies for Tonga through family heritage. Despite a long England career, he hasn’t featured since playing in 2024 under the overseas‑based restrictions. Tonga has shown interest in bringing the powerful number 8 into their squad for 2027, and given the eligibility framework, he could make such a switch.
