Whether it’s because of a childhood move, ancestry, or simply a desire for more game time, these five England players could look to swap nations.
#1. Billy Vunipola (England to Australia)
- Age: 29
- Position: Number 8
- Current number of caps: 61
- Last cap: March 2021
- Did you know? Vunipola’s father is former Tonga captain Fe’ao Vunipola and his mother, Iesinga Vunipola, a Methodist minister in High Wycombe
The 29-year-old, born in Sydney in 1992, would be free to play for the Aussies when he completes his three-years stand down from international rugby in March 2024.
Vunipola has been exiled from the England setup since the disappointing 2021 Six Nations as Eddie Jones’s patience with the ‘difficult’ back-rower finally ran out.
Winning 61 caps since making his debut in 2013, reports down under suggest Aussie chiefs want to make contact with the powerhouse about a potential swap.
Tonga, who Billy’s Dad Fe’ao played for in the 1990s, also remain keen on the Saracens star.
