Following Ian McGeechan’s comments on the number of overseas-based players in the Springbok squad, here’s a breakdown of the number of foreign-born players in each of the world’s top 10-ranked Test teams.
Writing for the Telegraph, McGeechan reviewed each of the top nations involved in the November Tests, pointing out a major strength, weakness, key player and giving an overall rating.
The Springboks, who beat Wales in Cardiff and Scotland in Edinburgh before faltering to a last-minute loss against England at Twickenham, were given 8/10.
But McGeechan noted that the Boks are “overly reliant on overseas players”.
The statement created a stir locally, with many South African social media users pointing out that while several Boks do ply their trade overseas, the entire national squad is homegrown.
Upon further inspection, South Africa and Argentina are the only Test sides in the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings that exclusively select homegrown players.
Based on the squads used for the November Test series, Japan had 17 foreign-born players, Scotland had 10, Ireland featured nine, New Zealand and Australia had eight each, Wales called up five foreigners, England four and France three.
Of the countries with the most players playing for other nations, New Zealand lead the way with 16, followed by South Africa who with 12 playing for foreign countries, Australia with 11, Tonga 10, Samoa four, Fiji three and Canada, USA, the DRC, Philippines, Thailand, Scotland, France and Italy all had one.
Meanwhile, as per their 2019 World Cup squads, Tonga had 19 foreign-born players in their squad (18 from New Zealand and two from Australia), Samoa had 17 foreigners (14 New Zealanders and three Australians) and Fiji boasted four foreign nationals (two each from Australia and England).
Below is the list of players that played for an adopted country – featuring in the top 10 in the world – with the country of their birth in brackets.
Japan – Asaeli Ai Valu (Tonga), Craig Millar (NZ), Isileli Nakajima (Tonga), Warner Dearns (NZ), James Moore (AUS), Jack Cornelsen (AUS), Ben Gunter (Thailand), Lappies Labuschagne (SA), Michael Leitch (NZ), Faulua Makisi (Tonga), Tevita Tatafu (Tonga), Timothy Lafaele (Samoa), Dylan Riley (SA), Siosaia Fifita (Tonga), Lomano Lemeki (NZ), Kotaro Matsushima (SA), Jone Naikabula (Fiji).
Scotland – Ewan Ashwan (Canada), Oli Kebble (SA), Pierre Schoeman (SA), Nick Haining (AUS), Dylan Richardson (SA), Sam Johnson (AUS), Sione Tuipulotu (AUS), Rufus McLean (USA), Kyle Steyn (SA), Duhan van der Merwe (SA).
Ireland – Rob Herring (SA), Finlay Bealham (AUS), Ultan Dillane (France), Jamison Gibson-Park (NZ), Joey Carbery (NZ), Bundee Aki (NZ), Ciaran Frawley (AUS), Mack Hansen (AUS), James Lowe (NZ).
Wallabies – Tolu Latu (Tonga), Taniela Tupou (Tonga), Will Skelton (NZ), Noah Lolesio (NZ), Lalakai Foketi (NZ), Duncan Paia’aua (NZ), Hunter Paisami (Samoa), Filipo Duagunu (Fiji).
All Blacks – Samisoni Taukei’aho (Tonga), Nepo Laulala (Samoa), Tyrel Lomax (AUS), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Tonga), Ethan De Groot (AUS), Shannon Frizell (Tonga), Finlay Christie (Scotland), Sevu Reece (Fiji).
Wales – Bradley Roberts (SA), Christ Tshiunza (DRC), Gareth Anscombe (NZ), Willis Halaholo (NZ), Johnny McNicholl (NZ).
England – Nic Dolly (AUS), Marcus Smith (Philippines), Manu Tuilagi (Samoa), Louis Lynagh (Italy).
France – Uini Atonio (NZ), Bernard Le Roux (SA), Paul Willemse (SA).
