We have been moaning about the talent drain in South Africa for a number of years already.
And yes, it is a big concern.
At the World Cup in Japan, there will be a total of 14 South African-born players representing their adopted country.
But don’t be disheartened, our rivals New Zealand have a total of 48 players playing for other countries.
Here I take a closer look at the South Africans that will be in action, not for the Green and Gold.
CJ Stander (Ireland)
Our greatest export at the moment has to be the national team’s former U20 captain.
Big in Ireland, Stander is a busy bee on the park and with fellow South African-born player Jean Kleyn in the squad, the former Bulls looseforward and Stormers second-rower will be looking to help Ireland win their first ever World Cup crown.
WALLABY WANDERER: Oz’s Dane Haylett-Petty. Photo: Mike Hutchings/Reuters.
Dane Haylett-Petty (Australia)
Yes, his surname doesn’t sound like he is South African, but Wallabies outside back Haylett-Petty was born in Durban before moving to Australia when he was just 10 years old.
He is the only Mzansi-born player representing another team from the southern hemisphere.
BRAVEHEART: Scotland prop WP Nel, centre. Photo: Russell Cheyne/Reuters.
WP Nel (Scotland)
For a number of years we’ve also seen Josh Strauss in the colours of Scotland, but the former Lions No.8 didn’t make it to this year’s World Cup. Another big omission is that of ex-Stormers midfielder Huw Jones, who cut his rugby teeth in South Africa but was actually born in Scotland.
So it’s up to ex-Cheetahs prop Nel, who moved to Edinburgh in 2012, to fly the SA flag for the Scots alongside hooker Allan Dell.
CANADIAN COMPATRIOT: DTH van der Merwe. Photo: Reuters.
DTH van der Merwe (Canada)
The Worcester-born wing needs no introduction after his heroics for the Canucks at the last World Cup.
Van der Merwe is Canada’s biggest threat out wide and although they will probably not make it past the pool phase, veteran Van der Merwe is worth taking a look at.
Lappies Labuschagne (Japan)
Three South Africans will play for Japan this year.
Lappies is undoubtedly the biggest name of the trio.
A good ball carrying flanker, Labuschagne is part of a strong Japan back-three that might also feature ex-Matie Wimpie van der Walt.
Out wide they also have Pretoria-born wing Kotaro Matsushima.
The others:
- Bernard le Roux (USA)
- Hanco Germishuys (USA)
- Ruben de Haas (USA)
- Shaun Davies (USA)
BIG NAME: Mako Vunipola is expected to play a large role in the England World Cup side. Photo: Peter Cziborra/Reuters.
New Zealanders
The names of Kiwis playing for other countries are far more impressive.
Among the 48 players to play for adopted nations are England duo Willi Heinz and Mako Vunipola.
The latter is expected to play a huge part in England’s quest to win the World Cup. One of the best loosehead props in the world, Vunipola is one to watch in this tournament.
With Japan boasting five players born in New Zealand, they don’t come close to Samoa who has 14.
Apart from Vunipola who will have a big impact on the tournament, New Zealanders can also look out for Christian Leali’ifano.
The Wallaby pivot was born in New Zealand and has provided one of rugby’s best fairytale stories in recent years, having made a full recovery from cancer to once again play at the highest level.
FOREIGN ACE: Ireland centre Bundee Aki. Photo: Peter Cziborra/Reuters.
Another Kiwi expected to make waves is Ireland midfielder Bundee Aki.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have four “foreigners” in their squad - Sevu Reece, who was born in Fiji, Vaea Fifita and Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Tonga) and Nepo Laulala (Samoa).