{"id":581806,"date":"2025-11-20T04:26:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T04:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/581806\/"},"modified":"2025-11-20T04:26:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T04:26:10","slug":"11-cap-england-lock-could-play-for-springboks-at-the-rugby-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/581806\/","title":{"rendered":"11-cap England lock could play for Springboks at the Rugby World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

England international\u00a0David Ribbans\u00a0could sensationally become a Springbok in time for the next Rugby World Cup, with the towering lock now fully eligible to represent the country of his birth.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 30-year-old last featured for England at the\u00a02023 Rugby World Cup<\/strong>, and with the three-year stand-down rule ticking away, Ribbans will soon be free to pull on the green and gold if he chooses.<\/p>\n

Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would feel strange\u201d \u2013 Ribbans breaks silence on possible switch<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ribbans has addressed the speculation directly, admitting the Springbok question has followed him ever since he moved to Toulon \u2014 but he remains conflicted.<\/p>\n

The former Northampton Saints star said he wouldn\u2019t rule out representing South Africa one day but insisted it doesn\u2019t sit entirely comfortably:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou never say never\u2026 but I find it a bit strange when players play for two countries.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He also suggested a switch could feel disrespectful to England after earning 11 caps:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019d put aside the potential glory because it wouldn\u2019t be right towards England.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Despite that, the door remains firmly open \u2014 and Ribbans knows it.<\/p>\n

Springboks watching as Etzebeth shows signs of slowing down<\/strong><\/p>\n

If Ribbans ever wanted to join South Africa\u2019s lock ranks, timing might be on his side.<\/p>\n

Eben Etzebeth<\/strong>, long considered the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Etzebeth, now 34 and with a decade of Test rugby behind him, has bravely fought his way back to fitness \u2014 but even he admits the miles on the clock are starting to count:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAs you get older, injuries take a bigger toll.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

With the Springboks potentially needing fresh muscle in the engine room over the next World Cup cycle, Ribbans \u2014 powerful, mobile and thriving in the Top 14 \u2014 suddenly looks like a very real option.<\/p>\n

EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n

2027 Rugby World Cup draw:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Predicted based on current rankings:<\/p>\n

South Africa (Band 1)<\/strong>
Reigning giants of world rugby. Dominant set-piece, immense defence, and ruthless efficiency.<\/p>\n

Australia (Band 2)<\/strong>
A proud rugby nation rebuilding with speed and energy. Dangerous even when inconsistent.<\/p>\n

Japan (Band 3)<\/strong>
Fast, inventive, and fearless. Known for quick ball movement and tactical cleverness.<\/p>\n

Tonga (Band 4)<\/strong>
Explosive and physical. Can trouble any side when their offloading game clicks.<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A bruising pool where South Africa and Australia enter as favourites, but Japan\u2019s pace and Tonga\u2019s power guarantee unpredictability. This could have a genuine upset or two.<\/p>\n

New Zealand (Band 1)<\/strong>
The All Blacks \u2014 unmatched flair, speed, and rugby IQ. Always title contenders.<\/p>\n

Fiji (Band 2)<\/strong>
Electric footwork, immense power, and natural creativity. A nightmare matchup for any defence.<\/p>\n

Spain (Band 3)<\/strong>
An improving side full of flair. Known for adventurous attacking rugby.<\/p>\n

Portugal (Band 4)<\/strong>
Rapidly rising European underdogs with surprising resilience and strong fundamentals.<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n

New Zealand will be heavily favoured, but Fiji vs Spain could be one of the most entertaining games of the pool stage. Portugal are capable of troubling anyone.<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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