The constant nation-swapping within international rugby league is coming to an end.

As part of a range of changes to the international game ratified this week by the IRL, Samoa and Tonga have both been unanimously elevated to ‘Tier 1’ nation status, joining traditional heavyweights Australia, New Zealand and England.

While the elevations of Samoa and Tonga were expected, and will have no bearing on State of Origin selection following last year’s eligibility rule changes introduced by the NRL, it means much of the switching between nations seen in recent years will no longer be allowed.

The IRL is working on an amnesty period with the RLPA so affected players have time to make their choice, but once that decision is made they will be bound by it for all future internationals.

Just some of the current stars with potentially big decisions to make include Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

‘Great-grandparent’ eligibility rules

In another change generating plenty of debate, the IRL has also introduced new great-grandparent eligibility rules for future internationals in a clear attempt to bolster the playing stocks Tier 2 nations.

The IRL used Canberra fullback Kaeo Weekes as an example of the new rule, explaining that while the Raiders star has New Zealand Maori heritage through his parents and grandparents, he will now be able to play for the Cook Islands because his great grandparents were born there.

“We have players sitting on the sidelines who the public deserves to see showing their skills on the international stage,” IRL chair Troy Grant said.

“It will still require an evidentiary process for proving that status. But we are of the firm belief this elevates nations in accessing players and deepens the depth of the player pool.

“It will also lift the competitiveness of matches across nations.”