Rugby union’s international qualification rules have been a bit of a joke – don’t get me started on RL either – but surely van der Merwe’s transfer to Worcester RFC shows the sorry state of them for what they are. Spend three years in Scotland (or Eng/Ire/Wal) and become an “established international” for them at the end of it thus enhancing your value to a club across the border.
I don’t think I’m suggesting that Scots have to play in Scotland, Welsh in Wales, etc., but given the route to this players nationality I would suggest it smacks of insincerity.
I think the French have – or are about to – insist on passports rather than residency for their team and they are to be applauded for it.