Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu – Let’s have a Jerry Collins rule over eligibility

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The late great Jerry Collins would be best remembered by an easing of the existing World Rugby regulations to make it possible for dual nationals to switch national teams at senior level at some stage in their career, says Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu

“No one is ‘one’ thing these days and rugby needs to get in line with the UN thinking on nationality,” insists Fuimano-Salapou who in effect is suggesting a return to a situation which existed 30 years ago. “Before his death Jerry had asked me to fight the eligibility rules and had talked to me about wanting to play for Manu Samoa at the end of his career

“He was a full blooded Samoan, spoke Samoan fluently, born in Samoa to two full blooded Samoan and yet he wasn’t allowed to play for Samoa, having previously played for New Zealand. Jerry was very conscious of his identity. He was a very proud New Zealander and also an extremely proud Samoan.

“Article 15 of the United Nations declaration of human rights acknowledges the complexities of these issues by stating unequivocally that it is a human right to be able to change your nationality.

“Jerry didn’t want or even need to change his nationality. He was already legally both a Samoan and a New Zealander. He just wanted to be able to be who he was but these ridiculous rules took that away from him.

“The greatest tribute to Jerry would be to change this outdated and unjust eligibility rule. We can call it the Jerry Collins regulation.”

BRENDAN GALLAGHER

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Tagged Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Jerry Collins, Samoa