Former England lock David Ribbans will become eligible to represent the Springboks next month as the 2027 Rugby World Cup moves closer.
The South Africa-born forward won 11 caps for England, including appearances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
His last Test came in England’s 26-23 victory against Argentina in the bronze medal match on October 27, 2023.
That date is now particularly significant.
Under World Rugby regulations, a capped player can switch international allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, provided they meet the birthright eligibility requirements for their new nation and receive approval.
Ribbans was born in Somerset West in South Africa and will therefore reach the three-year mark on October 27.
It means the 31-year-old could potentially become available to the Springboks less than a year before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Rassie Erasmus admission
Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has previously spoken about the need to develop further options at lock.
South Africa have enjoyed extraordinary strength in the position, with Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager among the players used during their recent success.
But several members of that group are now into their 30s as Erasmus continues planning for the next World Cup.
Ribbans could soon represent another experienced option.
The 6ft 8in lock has become an important figure at Toulon since leaving Northampton Saints following the 2023 World Cup.
However, becoming eligible does not mean a switch will happen.
Ribbans responds to Springboks possibility
Ribbans has previously been asked whether he would consider representing the country of his birth.
He told 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.”
The forward also admitted that the prospect of representing two different countries felt “a bit strange”.
There has been no confirmation that Erasmus intends to select Ribbans or that the player has decided to pursue a change of international allegiance.
But from the end of October, the option will be there.
With the Springboks building towards their defence of the Webb Ellis Cup in 2027, Ribbans will soon become another South Africa-born forward technically available for consideration.
Read also
Other England internationals who can switch nations
Ribbans isn't alone. A number of former England internationals could potentially represent another country before the next World Cup.
Jack Willis – Ireland
The Toulouse superstar is approaching his own eligibility date.
Willis won 14 England caps, with his final appearance coming against Chile at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
A neck injury suffered during that match ended his tournament.
Willis qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather and will complete the required three-year stand-down period in September 2026.
The flanker has acknowledged his Irish connection but played down talk of a switch, recently addressing the possibility of representing Ireland.
There would also be another complication. Ireland generally select players based at one of their four provinces, while Willis is contracted to Toulouse.
Mako Vunipola – Tonga
This one has already moved a significant step further.
Former England and Lions prop Mako Vunipola won 79 England caps, with his final appearance coming during the 2023 Six Nations.
He qualifies for Tonga through his father, former Tonga international Fe’ao Vunipola, and has already completed the three-year stand-down period.
Vunipola has also discussed his links with Tonga and has previously spent time shadowing the national team's coaches.
RUCK has previously looked at the prospect of the Vunipola brothers representing Tonga.
Billy Vunipola – Tonga
Billy Vunipola will also become eligible to represent Tonga before the end of 2026.
The former England number eight qualifies through his father and played his final Test for England during the 2023 World Cup semi-final defeat against South Africa.
That puts his three-year mark in October 2026.
However, unlike his brother, Billy has effectively closed the door on a switch.
Speaking in 2026, he said representing another nation after winning 79 caps for England “just doesn't feel right”.
Manu Tuilagi – Samoa
This would arguably be the biggest switch of the lot.
Tuilagi was born in Samoa and five of his brothers represented the Pacific Island nation.
The powerful centre won 60 caps for England, but his final appearance came against France during the 2024 Six Nations.
That means he will not complete his three-year stand-down until March 2027.
Crucially, Tuilagi has admitted he would consider playing for Samoa at the World Cup.
The biggest question could be whether his body allows him to continue playing at Test level by then.
He will be 36 during the tournament.
Nic Dolly – Australia
Former England hooker Nic Dolly represents another intriguing possibility.
Dolly was born in Sydney before moving through the English rugby system and eventually earning his solitary England cap against South Africa in November 2021.
More than three years have now passed since that appearance.
His Australian birthplace means he meets the birthright requirement to apply for a switch to the Wallabies.
Dolly has also returned to Australian club rugby, putting him back into the country's domestic system.
Whether Australia ultimately see him as a Test option is another question, but unlike Ribbans, Willis and Billy Vunipola, Dolly has already completed the necessary stand-down period.
The 2027 switch list
The situations are very different.
Ribbans and Willis become eligible in 2026. Mako Vunipola and Dolly are already able to pursue switches, while Tuilagi must wait until shortly before the World Cup.
Eligibility also does not guarantee selection.
Every change of union must satisfy World Rugby's Regulation 8 and receive approval before a player can represent their new country.
But with the 2027 Rugby World Cup now approaching, several familiar England internationals could theoretically be wearing very different shirts in Australia.
