Saffa lock opts for England over Boks
Yesterday at 02:53 AM
David Ribbans downplays the possibility of representing the Springboks, despite his England career being stalled by his move to Toulon.
The SA-born lock has flourished since joining the French giants from Northampton Saints, but his overseas switch ended his 11-cap England career under current selection policies.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with the UK’s Telegraph, Ribbans addressed the possibility of following former Ireland international Jean Kleyn’s path by returning to represent his country of origin.
“Would I consider it? You never say never with these things and South Africa was my home originally, but England has become my second home and I was super proud to play for them. I find it a bit strange when players play for two countries,” Ribbans said.
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“This is no slight on the Springboks, who are an amazing team. It’s just my view and I’m a bit stubborn in it. I’d put aside the potential glory for that because it wouldn’t be right towards England.”
The 29-year-old’s England experience wasn’t entirely positive, with limited opportunities under both Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick.
“I wasn’t one of the favourites and others got their chance. With Eddie, I never really got a look-in,” he said. “When Steve took over, to be honest, it was more of the same. He had worked with the Leicester boys and the Saracens boys, so they had a nudge on me.”
Since committing to Toulon until 2028, Ribbans has not heard from the England management and doesn’t expect to unless their overseas selection policy changes.
“I haven’t heard from Steve since I left and I don’t expect to. There wasn’t much of a relationship there,” he said. “If the rules were to change, of course I would put my hand up.
"I want to represent England and play international rugby – who doesn’t? But I knew what the rules were when I signed.”
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images/Getty Images
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