Former England set to line up for Springboks at 2027 World Cup

The 30-year-old hasn’t worn the Red Rose since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and with World Rugby’s three-year stand-down period almost complete, Ribbans is on the brink of becoming selectable for South Africa.

According to reports, Rassie Erasmus has already picked up the phone, sounding out the giant lock as he looks to bolster his second-row stocks. Eben Etzebeth’s recent dip in form—followed by his lengthy suspension for an eye-gouge—has only intensified the Bok boss’s search for reinforcements.

Ribbans has addressed the speculation directly, admitting the Springbok question has followed him ever since he moved to Toulon — but he remains conflicted.

The former Northampton Saints star said he wouldn’t rule out representing South Africa one day but insisted it doesn’t sit entirely comfortably:

He also suggested a switch could feel disrespectful to England after earning 11 caps:

Despite that, the door remains firmly open — and Ribbans knows it.

If Ribbans ever wanted to join South Africa’s lock ranks, timing might be on his side.

Eben Etzebeth, long considered the world’s premier second-row enforcer, has recently shown the first hints of fading powers. Concussion concerns, recurring knocks and longer recovery windows have begun to raise eyebrows among Springbok supporters.

Etzebeth, now 34 and with a decade of Test rugby behind him, has bravely fought his way back to fitness — but even he admits the miles on the clock are starting to count:

With the Springboks potentially needing fresh muscle in the engine room over the next World Cup cycle, Ribbans — powerful, mobile and thriving in the Top 14 — suddenly looks like a very real option.

Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa
The 34-year-old has won 60 England caps but would only be eligible for Samoa at the next World Cup. Tuilagi has admitted a switch would depend on whether he can still compete at the highest level.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg – South Africa to England
The Bristol Bears centre played for South Africa U20s but has never featured at senior level. After cutting ties with the Springboks, he could qualify for England via residency, subject to World Rugby approval.

David Ribbans – England to South Africa
The lock last played for England at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to switch next year. However, Ribbans has played down the idea, insisting his desire remains to represent England again.

Akira Ioane – New Zealand to Samoa
The 30-year-old has not played for New Zealand since 2022 and could follow his father by representing Samoa if he remains out of All Blacks contention.

Hoskins Sotutu – New Zealand to England or Fiji
Frozen out by the All Blacks since 2022, Sotutu can switch immediately. He qualifies for England through his mother but could also represent Fiji, following in his father’s footsteps.

Tyrone Green – South Africa to England
A former South Africa U20 standout, Green will be eligible for England from 2026. However, the Harlequins back has said he is in no rush to make a decision.

Nepo Laulala – New Zealand to Samoa
The prop last played for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup. Born in Samoa, Laulala could switch allegiances in late 2026.

Shannon Frizell – New Zealand to Tonga
Frizell last featured for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to represent Tonga from October next year.

Folau Fakatava – New Zealand to Tonga
The Tongan-born scrum-half last played for New Zealand in 2022 and is eligible to switch to his country of birth ahead of the next World Cup.

Ngani Laumape – New Zealand to Tonga
Eligible since 2024, Laumape has openly stated his desire to represent Tonga after missing out on the 2023 World Cup.

Lalakai Foketi – Australia to New Zealand
The centre last played for Australia at the 2023 World Cup but could qualify for New Zealand in 2026. He is currently locked in a legal dispute with Rugby Australia.

Rhyno Smith – South Africa to Italy
Smith would need special dispensation after previous South Africa Sevens appearances, but the Benetton full-back has admitted he would welcome the chance to represent Italy after five years in the country.