Springbok players based overseas will only be eligible for the national team if they have more than 30 test caps to their names, the SA Rugby executive council announced today.
This policy will be implemented from July 1 this year and replaces the existing situation where any player eligible to play for South Africa could be picked at the discretion of the national coach.
In a World Cup year, however, the coach will retain the right to select any player, regardless of the number of caps.
“We are sending a message to young players that if they wish to play for the Springboks, then they must remain in South Africa,” said SA Rugby president Mark Alexander.
“But we have also given the coach some flexibility to consider those with proven track records.”
He said they felt the move was in the best interests of the national team, but would review it periodically in conjunction with the coach.