England international David Ribbans could shock the rugby world by switching allegiance to the Springboks ahead of the next Rugby World Cup, with the powerhouse lock now officially eligible to represent his birth nation.
The 30-year-old hasn’t worn the Red Rose since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and with World Rugby’s three-year stand-down period almost complete, Ribbans is on the brink of becoming selectable for South Africa.
According to reports, Rassie Erasmus has already picked up the phone, sounding out the giant lock as he looks to bolster his second-row stocks. Eben Etzebeth’s recent dip in form—followed by his lengthy suspension for an eye-gouge—has only intensified the Bok boss’s search for reinforcements.
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“It would feel strange” – Ribbans breaks silence on possible switch
Ribbans has addressed the speculation directly, admitting the Springbok question has followed him ever since he moved to Toulon — but he remains conflicted.
The former Northampton Saints star said he wouldn’t rule out representing South Africa one day but insisted it doesn’t sit entirely comfortably:
“You never say never… but I find it a bit strange when players play for two countries.”
He also suggested a switch could feel disrespectful to England after earning 11 caps:
“I’d put aside the potential glory because it wouldn’t be right towards England.”
Despite that, the door remains firmly open — and Ribbans knows it.
Springboks watching as Etzebeth shows signs of slowing down
If Ribbans ever wanted to join South Africa’s lock ranks, timing might be on his side.
Eben Etzebeth, long considered the world’s premier second-row enforcer, has recently shown the first hints of fading powers. Concussion concerns, recurring knocks and longer recovery windows have begun to raise eyebrows among Springbok supporters.
Etzebeth, now 34 and with a decade of Test rugby behind him, has bravely fought his way back to fitness — but even he admits the miles on the clock are starting to count:
“As you get older, injuries take a bigger toll.”
With the Springboks potentially needing fresh muscle in the engine room over the next World Cup cycle, Ribbans — powerful, mobile and thriving in the Top 14 — suddenly looks like a very real option.
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Other players who can swap nations:
Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa
The 34-year-old has won 60 England caps but would only be eligible for Samoa at the next World Cup. Tuilagi has admitted a switch would depend on whether he can still compete at the highest level.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg – South Africa to England
The Bristol Bears centre played for South Africa U20s but has never featured at senior level. After cutting ties with the Springboks, he could qualify for England via residency, subject to World Rugby approval.
David Ribbans – England to South Africa
The lock last played for England at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to switch next year. However, Ribbans has played down the idea, insisting his desire remains to represent England again.
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