Rangi Chase playing for England. Photo / Photosport
Rugby league players will have to wait five years to represent their adopted country after the game's international federation changed the eligibility rules.
The RLIF board has extended the qualification period from three years.
The residency ruling has been a bone of contention since New Zealand-born Rangi Chase switched his
allegiance to England in 2011, after spending three years with Castleford and went on to play in the 2013 World Cup.
Federation officials say they have now extended the qualification period to five years while ensuring players from developing nations retain dual eligibility.
The changes, which take effect from October 1, come in time for the 2016 Four Nations Series.
