5 England players who could still swap nations for the Rugby World Cup

Wednesday, 06 July 2022 at 19:05

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byRugby Rucker

Five former England internationals could still come up against Eddie Jones men at the Rugby World Cup next year if they choose to swap nations.

#1. Alex Lozowski (England to Italy)

Age: 28
Position: Fly-half, Centre, Wing, Fullback
Current number of caps: 5
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? Lozowski is the son of Rob Lozowski and was a sporting allrounder in his teenage years, playing not only rugby for the Wasps academy but also football for the Chelsea academy

'I feel an English bloke. At the moment that is where my loyalties lie, even if I'm not going to get picked," said Lozowski.

Alex Lozowski of England commits a tackle during the Quilter International Match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 17th November 2018. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK]

"That might not make sense to some people because they might think if I'm not getting picked for England, I may as well go and play for Italy. But I'm the type of player who needs to be all in to play for a team. At this stage of my career, I'm still passionately English.

'Eddie Jones said it's up to me which at the end of the day it is. If I hadn't played for England then maybe I wouldn't feel as English as I do. Because I have, I have that attachment.'

'I always thought when I was growing up that it was peculiar you could play for more than one country. If I'm honest about it, my grandmother was Italian, but I've never lived in Italy.

"Potentially that got me considered for the squad, but sometimes being on standby is worse than being completely forgotten about!'

#2. George Kruis (England to Canada)

Age: 31
Position: Second-row
Current number of caps: 45
Last cap: March, 2020
Did you know? He could however eventually play for Canada through his Canadian father, although he’d have to wait until March, 2023

George Kruis of Saracens arrives during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on June 1 2019. - PHOTO: Cameron Geran/PPAUK

#3. Nathan Hughes (England to Fiji)

Age: 30
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 20
Last cap: March, 2019
Did you know? His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby

Try Celebrations for Nathan Hughes of Bristol Bears of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on 1 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#4. Zach Mercer (England to New Zealand And possibly Scotland)

Age: 24
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 2
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? His father is former rugby league footballer and coach Gary Mercer, who played for New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori rugby league team

Zach Mercer of England goes over for a try during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#5. George McGuigan (England Saxons to Ireland)

Age: 29
Position: Hooker
Current number of caps: 2
Last cap: June, 2016
Did you know? McGuigan represented Ireland U18 and U20 before switching his allegiance to England

The 28-year-old, who is the second top try-scorer in the Gallagher Premiership with 14, continues to be overlooked by England boss Eddie Jones. Munster, who want to strengthen their hooking options, are now reportedly keeping tabs on the Newcastle Falcons’ ace according to The Rugby Paper.

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premrugby: A shining light 💡 @FalconsRugby's George McGuigan is the @GallagherUK Player of the Month from March and the leading try-scorer in the #GallagherPrem. What a couple of weeks it has been for the hooker 🔥 #GallagherPremPOTM