World Rugby has voted to increase the residency rule from 3 years to 5.
Previously players born outside of their country of residence could play for that country after living there for 3 years however it has been decided to increase the time needed – to protect the “integrity and credibility” of the international game.
The required residency period will be increased from three to five years from the end of 2020.
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The change won’t affect the Likes of Munster’s Tyler Bleyendaal and Connacht’s Bundee Aki who could declare for Ireland next season.