AJ Brimson Cleared to Represent England in Upcoming Ashes Series

Gold Coast Titans utility back AJ Brimson has been granted permission by the International Rugby League (IRL) tribunal to switch his international allegiance from Australia to England ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.

Born in Brisbane, Brimson qualifies for England through his mother and has expressed a strong desire to represent his maternal heritage.

Brimson previously represented Australia in the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s but has not played in a senior international match.

Under IRL eligibility rules, players who have represented a Tier 1 nation in official competitions are generally ineligible to switch to another Tier 1 nation.

However, the tribunal recognized the unique circumstances of Brimson's case, noting that the 9s World Cup has been discontinued, limiting his opportunities to represent Australia further.

IRL Chair Troy Grant explained the decision in an official statement on the IRL website:

"This was a unique case in that a player who qualifies for two Tier 1 nations had elected to represent one of those nations in 9s and was therefore unable to represent the other nation in 13s. Yet the player has had no further opportunity to represent his elected nation in 9s, as he had anticipated, and has also not played a Senior International Match."

The tribunal, comprising Grant, Deputy Chair Dean Andrew, and Independent Director Emma Young, unanimously approved Brimson's application, allowing him to be eligible for selection by England head coach Shaun Wane. Australia was consulted during the process and supported the decision.

Brimson has made 120 appearances for the Titans, scoring 48 tries, and has played four times for Queensland in State of Origin. His versatility in playing full-back, half-back, and center positions makes him a valuable addition to the England squad as they prepare to face Australia in the three-match Ashes series later this year.