Overseas players wanting to play for another country will now have to wait five years ©RLIF

Overseas players wanting to play for another country will now have to wait five years following a rule change approved by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).

The change, approved at an RLIF Board meeting, marks a change from the previous three year system.

It will take effect from October 1. 

Effort will still be made, however, to ensure that players from developing nations with dual eligibility are not prevented from participating in the Rugby League World Cup.

"Following the presentation of an initial review by the RLIF chief executive and RLIF secretary we have consulted extensively with our members and made these changes not only in time for the 2017 World Cup but also for the international matches leading into our flagship event," explained RLIF chairman Nigel Wood.

"This provides maximum preparation time for nations, their players and coaches, and enhances the quality and competitiveness of our global events."

The rules have been changed after Rangi Chase was controversially permitted to switch nationality from New Zealand to England ©Getty Images
The rules have been changed after Rangi Chase was controversially permitted to switch nationality from New Zealand to England ©Getty Images

This has been a major issue in the sport ever since New Zealand-born Rangi Chase switched his allegiance to England in 2011, three years after he moved to the country to play for Castleford.

He went on to play in the 2013 World Cup.

The Board also received an "encouraging" update about the Rugby League World Cup 2017 following the recent successful launch of the event in Brisbane and Auckland. 

A six-nation Women's World Cup expected to run in parallel with the Men's World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea has now been confirmed.

Participating nations, as well as the draw, is expected to be announced at the RLIF Congress in November in Liverpool.