Billy Vunipola could play for England's fierce rival in just two years
Rugby NewsWednesday, 18 May 2022 at 17:12
England number 8 Billy Vunipola could make the controversial swap to play for the Wallabies in just two years' time.
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.
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5 players you didn’t know could swap nations in 2022, including Danny Cipriani
Below, we pick out five players you didn't know could swap nations in 2022, including former England international Danny Cipriani.
#1. Zach Mercer (England to New Zealand)
- 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
Making waves in the Top 14 and Europe with Montpellier, Mercer pulling on the famous All Black jersey would be as shocking a switch of nationality that the game has ever seen.
Described as 'fat and lazy' by England boss Eddie Jones before his international debut, this would be the ultimate way to prove the Aussie wrong.
The only drawback to the switch is to become eligible for New Zealand he'd have to join one of their Super Rugby sides.
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
#2. Matt Kvesic
- Age: 29
- Position: Back-row
- Current number of caps: 4
- Last cap: September, 2019
- Did you know? Born in Germany to English parents, Kvesic made his senior debut for Worcester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against the Scarlets on 14 November 2009, becoming the youngest player to represent the Warriors in the professional era
Exeter Chiefs player Matt Kvesic during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on March 2nd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
#3. 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.
#4. Jack Dempsey (Australia to Scotland)
- Age: 28
- Position: Number 8
- Current number of caps: 14
- Last cap: October, 2018
- Did you know? A keen all-round sportsman, Cipriani played junior football for Queens Park Rangers and was offered youth terms by Reading
Interestingly, the Wallabies number 8 will become eligible to play for Scotland less than three weeks before they take on Australia in October during the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.
#5. Danny Cipriani (England to Trinidad & Tobago)
- Age: 34
- Position: Fly-half
- Current number of caps: 16
- Last cap: June, 2018
- Did you know? A keen all-round sportsman, Cipriani played junior football for Queens Park Rangers and was offered youth terms by Reading
It’s suggested that the switch could be funded by World Rugby, who are looking to encourage former elite rugby players to represent third tier nations to help raise the sports profile in that country.
Cipriani has been heavily linked with a move to Major League Rugby in the USA after the fly-half confirmed he will be heading 'to a new country' following his departure from Bath at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old’s father is Afro-Trinidadian with some Italian heritage while his mother is English. They’re currently ranked 53rd in the world.
Bath Rugby player Danny Cipriani during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Nov 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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