South African-born lock David Ribbans won’t write off the possibility of playing for the Springboks but admits that he finds the concept “strange”.
The 29-year-old second-rower is currently plying his trade with French Top 14 club RC Toulon, where has excelled since his arrival from Northampton Saints.
Ribbans qualified to represent England on ancestry grounds, but having last played for Steve Borthwick’s side at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he requalifies for South Africa next year.
But before then, there is an outside chance the lock could represent the British and Irish Lions with Andy Farrell permitted to select France-based players, a luxury not afforded to the England head coach.
Switching to South Africa?
If he were to catch the eye of the Springboks coaches though, he could follow in the footsteps of Jean Kleyn, who played for Ireland before switching his international allegiances, through World Rugby’s birthright transfer, back to South Africa.
That idea is one that doesn’t sit too well with the Toulon star, who still has aspirations to play for England despite fully accepting the fact that he ended those hopes when he signed with the French club.
“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 told the Telegraph.
“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.”
While remaining loyal to England, he does not look back at his time in the Test set-up fondly under both ex-head coach Eddie Jones and current boss Borthwick.
He first earned a call-up to the squad in 2020 but would have to wait two years before making his international debut, starting in the 52-13 victory over Japan.
Saracens and Leicester boys had a nudge
Ribbans took his cap tally to 11 during the World Cup with his two appearances, but feels as though he didn’t get enough game time.
“Of my seven years in Northampton, I felt like I was putting in really solid performances for at least four of them,” he said. “I’ve come to realise that selection is one person’s opinion.
“I wasn’t one of the favourites and others got their chance. With Eddie, I never really got a look-in. That was a major reason for the change.
“I had been in and out, making squads but not getting enough caps, attending broader training camps without getting a shot.
“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.
“It was great that he took me to the World Cup when he knew I was coming here, but I was sat on the sidelines for it.
“Ultimately, in terms of playing, I don’t look back that fondly on it. I wanted to be more involved and thought I could kick on, but it wasn’t to be.”
“I’m not going to complain”
Since signing for Toulon, Ribbans has not heard from the England head coach and doesn’t expect to unless the rules around selecting overseas-based players are relaxed.
The lock has re-signed with Toulon until 2028, effectively ruling him out of contention for the Rugby World Cup in Australia but Ribbans isn’t complaining about the policy.
“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 and I’m not going to complain about them.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/stubborn-england-lock-weighs-up-springboks-switch-after-not-looking-back-fondly-on-red-rose-stint
