Who is eligible to play for the Springboks?

Under World Rugby Regulation 8, a player can play for South Africa's senior team if they have a genuine, close, credible and established link with South Africa through one of these:

• they were born in South Africa; or
• one parent or grandparent was born in South Africa; or
• they have been registered exclusively with a rugby union or body in South Africa for the 60 months (five years) immediately before playing; or
• they have completed ten years of cumulative residence in South Africa before playing.

A player who has already played senior international rugby for another country is not eligible unless World Rugby approves a one-off birthright transfer (born in South Africa, or a parent or grandparent was, and at least three years since their last match for the other country).