AJ Brimson has officially switched his international rugby league allegiance from Australia to England following approval from the tribunal on Wednesday. A utility back from Brisbane, Brimson has spent his entire National Rugby League (NRL) career with the Gold Coast Titans and has yet to make a senior appearance for the Australian team.
With his transfer, he becomes ineligible to wear the green and gold of Australia. The decision marks a notable career shift for Brimson, who has made four appearances for the Queensland Maroons. For him to represent England, he had to file an application, as both Australia and England are classified as Tier 1 nations in rugby league.
Brimson initiated this application earlier this year and will now be available to play for England in the upcoming Ashes series. His case was described as “unique” by International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant. Brimson previously represented Australia at the 2019 Nines tournament, which classified him as a player for Australia, thus complicating his eligibility to switch.
The Nines format is distinct in its classification of Tier 1 nations; after its discontinuation, it was deemed unfair that players like Brimson were restricted in their country representation. Grant noted that players represented in the Nines had been sidelined without opportunity, unlike players in the continuous 13-a-side format.
Brimson’s switch was ultimately sanctioned on the grounds of his English heritage, as his mother’s lineage qualifies him to represent England. Grant highlighted that while Brimson had chosen to represent Australia previously, the circumstantial limitations he faced have warranted a reevaluation of his eligibility.
The tribunal’s approval reflects a broader aim to facilitate fairness in international play, ensuring top players have the opportunity to compete for the nation they are eligible for. In a similar vein, Roosters lock Victor Radley had previously switched his allegiance to England, despite representing New South Wales in the State of Origin. Neither Radley nor Brimson will be eligible to participate in future State of Origin matches.
Brimson’s transition serves as a significant narrative within the sport, showcasing the complexities surrounding international eligibility rules and player representation.