The former England international confirmed last month that he would be leaving the Rec to 'experience another country' with Texas in the USA now thought to be his next destinations..
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.
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
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
Jack Dempsey will become eligible to play for Scotland less than 3 weeks before they take on Australia in October.
The number 8 last played for Australia on 11th October 2019 and, thanks to World Rugby eligibility laws, can play for a country he has "a close link via birthright"