How did Maurie Fa'asavalu qualify to play Rugby League for Great Britain and England?

Question

i don't usually watch Rugby League, so i don't know of his circumstances

is it because he has been living here for a certain amount of time?

Answer 1

He qualifies for British Citizenship,through playing for St Helens.

Answer 2

I think it's fair to say the rules of eligibility for international rugby league are 'flexible' with changes made from time to time depending on the whim of the countries concerned.

However, there is a residency rule. I think it's 3 years living in a country means you can play for the national team. However it may be dependent on whether you have already played for another country (and this is where the greatest 'flexibility' comes into play). Playing for NZ, Australia, Grt Britain or France tends to mean you are committed to that team.

However playing for less established teams like Samoa or Tonga, or frankly made-up teams like Lebanon, tends not to affect your chance of playing for one of the big nations.