Craig Dowd
Players should pledge Test allegiance to one nation
Craig Dowd
July 23, 2014
Former All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko could now play for Fiji in the 2015 Rugby World Cup © Getty Images
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Suggestions in relation to player eligibility being considered by the IRB are interesting. I've got an English passport, but not a drop of English blood in me; I was eligible for the passport because I lived there long enough to qualify for it. So technically I could go and play for England.

There will be a lot of players, particularly in the northern hemisphere, who play for more than three years and can qualify for citizenship and get their passports. I suppose that has always been the case, but I feel that should never happen once you have played international rugby in the 15-man game.

I do think there should be a line drawn between 15s and Sevens. You should be allowed to play Sevens for whoever you like if you qualify, but it doesn't stop you playing 15s; and vice versa. That is the only exception.

I don't think you should be allowed to play Test rugby for two countries. You pledge your allegiance and that is the team you play for until the day you die.

What is the definition of Treason?

Oran's Dictionary of the Law (1983) defines treason as: "... [a] ...citizen's actions to help a foreign government overthrow, make war against, or seriously injure the [parent nation]." In many nations, it is also often considered treason to attempt or conspire to overthrow the government, even if no foreign country is aiding or involved by such an endeavour.

Enough said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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