International sports regulations allow athletes to represent adopted countries under certain conditions such as living in that country for a specified period of time or having a parent or grandparent from that country. Some argue the rules are too lax as they allow athletes to switch national teams solely for competitive advantage rather than a genuine connection to the new country. Tightening eligibility rules could help address concerns about athletes choosing countries based primarily on their chances of success in international competition.
4. Why Do Athletes Choose an Adopted
Country Over Their Home Country?
Toby Faletau. 2011
5. Playing in a Country to Play for that
Country
Luke Thompson. Born in New Zealand.
Plays club and national rugby in Japan.
6. Regulations on International Rugby
Players
• Country where he was born
• Country where his parent or Grandparent was
born
• Country he has lived in for 3 years
