England international David Ribbans could be on the verge of one of the most eye-catching allegiance switches in modern rugby, with the powerful lock now officially eligible to represent South Africa ahead of the next Rugby World Cup 2027. Born in South Africa, Ribbans has not played for England since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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With World Rugby’s three-year stand-down period nearly complete, the 30-year-old is close to being free to pull on the Springbok jersey should he choose to do so. That possibility alone has sent ripples through the international game. According to reports, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has already made contact with Ribbans, sounding him out as he looks to strengthen South Africa’s second-row options.
The timing is notable. Eben Etzebeth, long regarded as the cornerstone of the Bok pack and one of the greatest locks of the professional era, has endured a difficult period. A recent dip in form, coupled with injury concerns, and a lengthy suspension for an eye-gouging incident.
Has highlighted the need for depth and succession planning in the Springbok engine room. Ribbans has not shied away from addressing the speculation. Since moving to Toulon in France’s Top 14, the question of a potential Springbok call-up has followed him closely, Rugby World Cup 2027.
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Rugby World Cup: Springboks Planning for Life After Etzebeth
While he has not ruled it out, he has admitted the idea leaves him conflicted. Having built his Test career with England, the emotional weight of changing international colours is not something he takes lightly. There’s always going to be that conversation because of where I was born, Ribbans has suggested in recent comments. I’d be lying if I said it was simple.
His words reflect the reality many modern players face in an era where eligibility rules are more flexible, but identity and loyalty still matter deeply. If Ribbans were ever to make the switch, the timing could hardly be better. Etzebeth is now 34, with more than a decade of bruising Test Rugby World Cup behind him. While still a formidable presence, concussion protocols, recurring knocks.
Besides, longer recovery times have inevitably raised questions about how much longer he can remain at his peak. Even Etzebeth himself has acknowledged that the physical toll of elite rugby is becoming harder to ignore.
South Africa, conscious of maintaining its dominance through the next Rugby World Cup cycle, may soon need fresh power in the tight five. In that context, Ribbans stands out as an appealing option. He is big, athletic, and mobile, and has thrived in the physically demanding Top 14.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Eligibility Rules Keep Ribbans’ Options Open
His experience at the international level, combined with his South African roots, makes him an unusually neat fit. At the same time, Ribbans has played down suggestions that his England career is definitely over. He has stressed that his desire to represent England again has not disappeared, even if opportunities have been limited since the last Rugby World Cup Final.
Whether that door truly remains open is another question, particularly with England continuing to evolve their second-row depth. Ribbans’ situation is also part of a wider trend in international rugby, where several high-profile players are reassessing their Test futures under the Rugby World Cup Final.
Manu Tuilagi, for example, has amassed 60 caps for England but would only be eligible for Samoa at the next Rugby World Cup Final. He has openly admitted that any switch would depend on whether his body allows him to compete at the highest level for another full cycle.
Elsewhere, players such as Akira Ioane-like figures frozen out of All Blacks contention in recent years — have become eligible to represent other nations through family ties. Hoskins Sotutu, for instance, qualifies for England through his mother and Fiji through his father, while others born in the southern hemisphere are approaching eligibility for European nations via residency or heritage.
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The New Normal of the International Rugby World Cup Semi-Final
These cases highlight how international rugby is entering a new phase, where national teams are no longer static, and player movement between countries is becoming more common and more controversial. For traditionalists, the idea of switching allegiances still feels uncomfortable. For players, however, it can represent a final chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
David Ribbans’ potential switch from England to South Africa sits at the intersection of opportunity, timing, and identity. On one hand, the Springboks may soon need experienced reinforcements in the second row as stalwarts like Eben Etzebeth edge closer to the twilight of their careers. On the other hand, Ribbans remains emotionally tied to England, Rugby World Cup Semi Final.
The country that gave him his Test debut and shaped his international reputation. Whether he ultimately chooses the green and gold or continues to wait for another England opportunity, his situation reflects the changing realities of the modern Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Eligibility rules have evolved, careers are shorter, and players are increasingly forced to balance loyalty with ambition. For Ribbans, the decision will not just define the final chapter of his career; it could also become a defining example of how international rugby navigates its rapidly shifting landscape.
Rugby World Cup 2027 Tickets are now available at eticketing.co! Be part of the excitement as Australia hosts the biggest rugby tournament in the world. Secure your seats today and witness the world’s top rugby nations battle for the Webb Ellis Cup. Don’t miss this chance to experience world-class rugby live in action!