Sports · Other Sports · 14 hrs ago
Rugby league lets players qualify through great-grandparents
International Rugby League has extended eligibility so players can represent a country where one of their great-grandparents was born.
Before the change, players could qualify through a parent or grandparent.
The change followed a request from the Cook Islands and their coach, Karmichael Hunt.
IRL chairman Troy Grant says the rule gives more players a chance to represent a nation and makes international matches more competitive.
Canberra fullback Kaeo Weekes could qualify for the Cook Islands under the new rule; Grant said he could have played for them at this World Cup if it had already been in force.
The rule aims to broaden the pool of players available to national teams, though it allows qualification through a more distant family connection.
The next World Cup is set for 2030 in the Pacific and the United States, with matches planned across venues in Australia and the US.
International Rugby League has changed its eligibility rules to let players represent a country where one of their great-grandparents was born.
IRL chairman Troy Grant defended the change, saying it would grow the game and give players more chances to represent a nation.
The change followed an application from the Cook Islands and their coach, Karmichael Hunt.
The Pacific and the United States were also confirmed as hosts of the 2030 World Cup.
Grant said Canberra fullback Kaeo Weekes could have represented the Cook Islands at the current World Cup under the new rules.
- Who
- International Rugby League announced the rule change. It followed an application from the Cook Islands and coach Karmichael Hunt.
- What
- Players can now qualify to represent a country where one of their great-grandparents was born.
- When
- The new rules were announced on Monday, November 9, 2026.
- Where
- The announcement was made in Sydney.
- Why
- Grant said the change would grow the game and give players the opportunity to represent their nation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A State of Origin eligibility change freed New Zealand internationals to also play for NSW and Queensland.
International Rugby League announced the great-grandparents eligibility rule in Sydney.
The Pacific and the United States were confirmed as hosts of the 2030 World Cup.
- Eligibility link
- One of a player's eight great-grandparents
- Application
- Cook Islands and coach Karmichael Hunt
- Potential beneficiary
- Kaeo Weekes, Canberra fullback
- Next World Cup
- 2030
- Host regions
- The Pacific and the United States
What people are saying
I care about growing the game and giving every player the opportunity to represent their nation and I care that the fans are getting the best outcomes, which we have seen during this World Cup.
I think it enhances rather than in any way undermines the game into the future.