International Rugby

IRB tightens up Olympics loopholes

ESPN Staff

Steffon Armitage's chances of playing for France have taken a blow © Getty Images Enlarge

The International Rugby Board has clarified the Olympic loophole rule which could have seen a number of players swap nationalities ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The loophole allows those who have previously represented a country to swap to another, given they have a valid passport and haven't played for their capped-country in the previous 18 months. To make the switch, they must play in Sevens events which double as qualifiers for the Olympics.

The IRB has now clarified this and said the player must run out in at least four to swap nationalities. They must also show a "genuine, close, credible and established national link" with the country they opt to play for. If the player decides to pursue this loophole then they cannot revert back to their original capped-country if it fails to work out.

This news is likely to have an impact on Steffon Armitage who had reportedly applied for a French passport with a view to using this loophole. He last played for England in 2010 but despite his remarkable form, he is currently overlooked by the management due to playing in the Top 14.

Whereas before it looked like Armitage would only have to play in one Sevens qualifier, the clarification that he needs to play in four would jeopardise his chances of running out for France. Toulon are bound by IRB regulations to release Armitage for these events but Toulon coach Mourad Boudjellal spoke out this week of his misgivings over the amount of time his international players spent away from the club.

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