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Exeter Chiefs’ Julian Heaven Priorizes England Qualification Over world Cup Opportunity with Spain
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A complex web of international eligibility rules has led Exeter Chiefs hooker Julian Heaven, 25, to decline a potential spot on Spain’s squad for the 2024 Rugby World Cup, prioritizing his status as an English Qualified Player (EQP). The decision underscores the increasing importance of domestic qualification criteria in professional rugby.
A multi-National Heritage
Heaven,born in Sydney,Australia,possesses a remarkably diverse ancestral background,qualifying to represent five different nations. He is eligible for Australia by birth and England through his father. Further complicating his international options, his maternal grandmother emigrated from Spain to Australia after marrying a German national, while his paternal grandmother was English and married a Jamaican. This intricate family history initially led to an invitation to play for Spain’s under-20 team in 2019, and a subsequent offer to join their senior squad with the enticing prospect of competing in the World Cup in Australia next year.
The EQP Dilemma
However, accepting a cap for Spain would have forfeited heaven’s EQP status within the English premiership. “I do qualify for five countries,” Heaven stated.”I’ve got a broad array of countries I’m associated with.I did play for Spain at the U20 Level, and I was invited to join the Spanish camp.” Despite acknowledging the personal significance of perhaps playing in the World Cup for his family, Heaven ultimately decided to remain eligible for England.”The World Cup would be a very special moment for my family and me, if that where to happen,” he saeid. “but I feel a strong sense of determination to play more for the Chiefs and to remain English-qualified. And I don’t wish to jeopardise that at the moment through playing with Spain. I think being English-qualified is probably more critically important and significant in the near future. I’m very proud of each of my heritages.”
A Career shaped by qualification Hurdles
Heaven’s journey to professional rugby has been marked by challenges related to international eligibility. After moving to France as a teenager, he spent three-and-a-half years with Lyon, making four appearances for the club. He debuted with Lyon at age 19, but visa issues prevented him from obtaining Jiff (Jeune International Français) status – a qualification that would have allowed him to count as a homegrown player. “I did three-and-a-half years at lyon between Academy and Pro (rugby). I went there when I was 18 and debuted at 19,” Heaven explained. “I had a few problems with injuries in my visa (request), so my French qualifications fell through.”
Following his time with Lyon, an offer from Stade Français also fell through due to the same qualification issues, prompting his return to Australia before ultimately joining the Exeter Chiefs. “I was supposed to be Jiff-qualified, and at the end of my tenure at Lyon, I had an offer from Stade Français, which regrettably fell through when I didn’t get my Jiff. So I returned to Australia,” he said.
Heaven’s decision highlights the increasingly complex landscape of international rugby eligibility and the strategic importance of EQP status for players seeking to establish themselves in top leagues like the English Premiership. His commitment to the exeter Chiefs and his ambition to represent england demonstr
