World Rugby to allow players to switch national teams

DUBLIN (AP) — World Rugby has relaxed its eligibility rules to allow national team players to switch countries as of January. The governing body made the announcement Wednesday in what it described as a “landmark” change. Players can change allegiances if they were born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent born there. They can switch only once and there’s a stand-down period of three years from international rugby. The “birthright amendment” was approved by the World Rugby Council and stands to benefit Pacific island countries in particular.