England legend Lawrence Dallaglio has revealed he came incredibly close to representing Italy instead of the Red Rose in what would have been one of the most unexpected international switches in rugby history.
During an interview with Premier Sports TV, the World Cup winner was asked whether he had ever considered declaring for another nation—and his response was surprisingly candid.
Private jets, Milan apartments, and Italian persuasion
It all started in 1991, after Italy beat England at Under-19 level. With Dallaglio’s talents already drawing attention, the Italian Rugby Federation moved swiftly to recruit the promising back-rower—and they weren’t holding back.
“Yes, absolutely. The Italians were the first team to approach me,” Dallaglio revealed. “At under-19s in 1991, I was flown to Italy in a private jet with my Dad. I was offered a place at Milan University, a flat in the centre of Milan and a car.”
Even more shockingly, Dallaglio was offered a salary, despite the game still being strictly amateur at the time.
“I said, you’re not allowed to pay people. The game is amateur. And they went, ‘Lawrence, this is Italy,’” he recalled. “My dad was very keen for me to sign.”
One game changed everything
Italy had done nearly everything right to secure his commitment, but a single match tipped the scales.
“I went to watch a game. David Campese was playing. And I don’t think he touched the ball,” Dallaglio said. “It was an utter shambles. So I turned Italy down.”
And with that, Italian rugby missed out on a generational talent.
Dallaglio: England icon, World Cup winner
Born in London, Lawrence Dallaglio would go on to become one of England’s most decorated rugby players. He earned 85 caps for England between 1995 and 2007, and played a pivotal role in the side that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Known for his power, leadership, and versatility in the back row, Dallaglio also captained England and was a key figure at Wasps, where he won five Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups. He also toured three times with the British & Irish Lions, in 1997, 2001, and 2005.
A defining figure in the professional era of English rugby, Dallaglio’s decision to stick with England instead of joining Italy changed the course of rugby history.
Had things gone differently, Italy might have had a genuine world-class leader in their ranks. But for Dallaglio—and English rugby fans—it turned out to be the right call.
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Five Big Names Out of 2025 Lions Tour
The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour kicks off in Australia on July 19, with a three-Test series against the Wallabies. Andy Farrell’s squad will be without several big names due to injury, retirement, or club commitments.
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1. Ollie Lawrence – Achilles injury ends Lions dream
England centre Ollie Lawrence was widely tipped to make Farrell’s Lions squad before suffering a devastating injury. The Bath star ruptured his left Achilles tendon just nine minutes into England’s 47-24 Six Nations win over Italy, ruling him out for up to a year.
A Premiership Player of the Season in 2023, Lawrence had become a key figure for Steve Borthwick’s England. His explosive running, defensive solidity, and hard-carrying ability made him a strong candidate for the tour. However, with the Lions series beginning in just over three months, his injury has ended any chance of selection.
Lawrence expressed his disappointment on social media: “Lost for words… That’s not how I imagined my season to end! The comeback is always greater than the setback.”
Surprise Fact: Lawrence was once in Aston Villa’s football academy before choosing rugby.
2. Stuart Hogg – Won’t be considered for selection
Despite making an impressive comeback with Montpellier in the Top 14 after reversing his retirement, off-field issues will rule him out of contention for selection by Lions head coach Andy Farrell, according to RUCK sources.
Surprise Fact: In a tweet, J. K. Rowling insinuated that Hogg was, in fact, a full-fledged Wizard
