"One of 20" - Former Ireland star cleared to play for South Africa at the World Cup

Friday, 23 June 2023 at 11:09

byRugby Rucker

Under the new eligibility rules, Jean Kleyn, the Ireland international forward, has received clearance to represent South Africa.

Despite being born in Johannesburg, he qualified for Ireland through residency and participated in five matches, including two in the Rugby World Cup hosted by Japan in 2019.

However, he has not been chosen for the Irish team since then, which allows him to meet the criteria for South Africa under the newly established regulation.

In a recent update, it has been reported that players are now permitted to switch to their country of birth, or that of their parents or grandparents, as long as a minimum period of three years has passed since they were last selected for their adopted country.

With this in mind, SA Rugby confirmed that World Rugby officially endorsed Jean Kleyn's fulfillment of the necessary requirements for a "birthright transfer" on Thursday.

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20 PLAYERS SWAPPING NATIONS (via Wales Online)

Fiji

Seta Tamanivalu (New Zealand) -
made Fiji debut during last year's Pacific Nations Cup

Italy

Dino Lamb (England)
Paolo Odogwu (England)

Paolo Odogwu of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship, 127th Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 6 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Samoa

Christian Leali’ifano (Australia)
Charlie Faumuina (New Zealand)
Steven Luatua (New Zealand)
Lima Sopoaga (New Zealand)
Titi Lamositele (USA)

Steven Luatua, Captain of Bristol Bears during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Wasps and Bristol Bears at Ricoh Arena on 10 October. Photo: Steve Bond/PPAUK/Gallagher