IRB releases document detailing necessary requirements for players to switch nationalities

The International Rugby Board have released a document detailing the necessary requirements for players to switch nationalities.

Players looking to represent another country will have to play in a minimum of four Sevens World Series legs for their conversion to be approved, along with adhering to other terms.

All players who apply this way will also have to take part in the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.

The document also states that players will not be able to revert to their former Union should their application to play for a second Union fall through.

With the global qualification process for Rugby Sevens' Olympic Games debut set to begin in October for men and December for women, the Regulations Committee convened on September 2nd to assist Unions with queries and ensure unity and consistency of implementation of the regulations.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said that these rulings of the IRB Regulations Committee will further assist the Unions with their preparation and underscores their commitment to ensure a successful and spectacular Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016 and beyond.

A number of leading players capped by one country have expressed an interest or been linked to making use of the loophole.