All Black and England players eligible for Springbok selection
The Springboks could soon be eligible to select two capped stars who previously represented rival nations, England and New Zealand.
The Springboks could soon be eligible to select two capped international stars who previously represented rival nations, England and New Zealand.
One capped England international will be available for selection at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Meanwhile, a former All Blacks speedster would become eligible for the Springboks shortly after the 2027 tournament.
Let’s break it down.
CAPPED ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL ELIGIBLE FOR BOK SELECTION AT 2027 RUGBY WORLD CUP
David Ribbans has 11 Test caps for England national team.
However, as reported on The South African, the Somerset West-born forward will be available for selection for the Springboks when Erasmus and Siya Kolisi’s men head to Australia on their mission for a historic three-peat.
Ribbans has not represented England since the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
With World Rugby’s three-year stand down period nearing completion, he is on the verge of becoming eligible for South Africa, his country of birth.
However, he is not the only capped international who could represent the Springboks around the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
RASSIE ERASMUS COULD CALL UP EX-ALL BLACKS WINGER
Former All Blacks wing Mark Tele’a would, under the same regulations, also become eligible for Springbok selection in the future.
This is because his mother is South African.
Furthermore, his last appearance for the All Blacks was on 23 November 2024.
Therefore, he would technically qualify to represent the Springboks on 23 November 2027.
Interestingly, Tele’a has previously opened the door to the possibility of one day wearing green and gold.
“If they (Springboks) asked me and the moment was right, yeah (I would). If Samoa approached me, (I’d say the same). But right now, my mind is set where I am right now,” Tele’a stated on a podcast interview.
Unfortunately, Tele’a would not be available for the Springboks’ 2027 Rugby World Cup squad as the tournament runs from 1 October to 13 November.
In addition, given the depth out wide, there is no guarantee he would walk straight into Erasmus’ side.
The Springboks currently boast the likes of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie as elite options on the wing and in the wider channels.
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