The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) will oppose the proposal to increase the residency qualification period from three to five years.
Former New Zealand rugby player Sean Maitland now plays under the Scottish flag. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
England's Rugby Football Union appears set to impose its own five-year rule if the proposal does not get the required 75 per cent majority when the World Rugby council vote on the proposal for a global rule change in May.
"We are in favour of the status quo. We think the three-year rule works as it stands. We think players can show commitment over that time and put down roots," a spokesman for the SRU told British newspaper The Times.
The SRU is likely to find an ally in Ireland, both countries benefiting from the existing three-year rule and fielding several foreign-born players who qualified on the grounds of residency.
-Reuters
