England international David Ribbans could be one of the greatest intriguing suitability changes of the next cycle. Instinctive in South Africa, the soaring lock last played for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Since he will be completely qualified for the Springboks once the three-year stand-down period expires.
Now 30 and working his trade with Toulon, Ribbans has self-confessed. The Springbok query has followed him ever meanwhile he enthused for France. While he is privileged by the option, he remains torn. “You never say never… but I find it a bit odd when players produce for two republics,” he said, acknowledging both the chance and his discomfort with the idea.
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He also suggested that swapping loyalty might feel rude to England after making 11 caps. “I’d put aside the possible glory because it wouldn’t be right to England.” Still, with Ribbans not ending the door entirely — and with the Springboks always on the lookout for experienced tight-five options — the option is very real.
All Blacks star Mark Tele’a is one of the greatest unhelpful wings in Rugby World Cup — and astonishingly, he is also qualified for South Africa. Born in Auckland in 1996,. Tele’a has a South African father and a Samoan mother, which means he could signify either nation once eligible. While Tele’a leftovers a front All Black, his move to Japan confuses his New Zealand upcoming.
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Springbok Switches and Rugby World Cup Drama
NZ Rugby seldom chooses overseas-based players, and his greatest recent cap came in 2024/2025, leaving the timing tight. If he falls out of favor before 2027, He could develop into one of the most high-profile players ever to change to the Springboks.
With South Africa’s penchant for powerful, evasive wings — Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Makazole Mapimpi — Tele’a would fit the mould perfectly. Former Scotland prop Oli Kebble is another applicant for a return to South African colours. The 33-year-old loosehead made 12 caps for Scotland between 2020 and 2022 after featuring for the Junior Springboks earlier in his career.
After a stint in France with Oyonnax in Pro D2, Kebble has returned home-based to join the Stormers as they push for an additional URC title. If his form in Cape Town excites, he will be qualified for a Springbok call-up once his stand-down period settles.
Rugby purebred runs deep in the Kebble family: he is the son of previous Springbok prop Guy Kebble, who played four Tests in the early 1990s, and the nephew of late mining magnate Brett Kebble. Paraguay have been ineligible for the 2027 Rugby World Cup after fielding an ineligible player throughout their playoff conquest over Brazil.
The South American side had a famous 70–43 collective win over their rivals, believing they had booked a place in the Final Qualification Tournament. But jubilation turned to heartbreak when the Paraguayan Rugby Union (URP) discovered the eligibility breach.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Samoa Advance, Paraguay Removed
The URP self-reported the violation, leading to Paraguay’s removal from the competition. Samoa ultimately claimed the final spot, defeating Belgium to secure its place at the 2027 contest. Paraguay are now the third state barred from the Rugby World Cup, joining Russia and Belarus, who continue suspended by World Rugby due to their participation in and support for Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Russia had previously sought to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Stanislav Druzhinin of the Russian Rugby Union revealed at a conference on 31 May 2019 that Russia deliberate to use stadiums built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and their associated legacy projects.
The bid was backed by President Vladimir Putin. However, the Rugby World Cup Union of Russia was unable to proceed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) imposed a two-year ban on 17 December 2020, preventing Russia from hosting any major sports contest. The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will feature a new six-pool format, is arranged for 3 December 2025.
As the rugby world moves toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup, eligibility shifts and geopolitical rulings are reshaping the competitive landscape. Players like David Ribbans, Mark Tele’a, and Oli Kebble represent intriguing potential for South Africa, each bringing experience and sole personal ties that could influence upcoming Springbok selections.
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