Joe Cokanasiga can now switch international allegiance after seemingly falling out of Steve Borthwick’s England plans.
The giant Bath winger was once viewed as one of England’s most exciting prospects. He scored 13 tries in his first 16 Test appearances.
However, his international career has effectively ground to a halt.
Cokanasiga has not played for England since facing Wales in August 2023. He was also left out of Borthwick’s squad for that year’s Rugby World Cup.
Despite producing some excellent form for Bath since then, the Fiji-born powerhouse has been unable to force his way back into the England set-up.
Cokanasiga revealed to BBC Sport in 2025 that he had spoken directly to Borthwick and still had the “hunger” to play international rugby.
That comeback has never arrived.
Now, more than three years on from his last England appearance, another international option has opened up.
Cokanasiga was born in Suva, Fiji, meaning he has the required connection to potentially switch allegiance to the Flying Fijians.
Under World Rugby’s Regulation 8, a player can apply to change unions once three years have passed since their last appearance for their original country.
They must also qualify for their new nation through their own birthplace or that of a parent or grandparent.
There is currently no suggestion that Cokanasiga has decided to make the switch.
However, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup getting closer and his England prospects looking increasingly remote, it is an intriguing option.
England internationals who could switch nations
Jack Willis – Ireland
Willis is another England international whose situation has recently changed.
The Toulouse star qualifies for Ireland through his Belfast-born grandfather and has completed the required three-year stand-down period.
Willis has even left the door open to the possibility, with The Times reporting that the back-rower would consider representing Ireland.
Billy Vunipola – Tonga
The former England number eight has strong Tongan family connections.
Vunipola last represented England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. With his England career seemingly over, Tonga could offer another route into Test rugby.
Mako Vunipola – Tonga
Like his brother, Mako has strong Tongan roots.
The 88-cap England prop would bring huge international experience if such a switch ever materialised.
David Ribbans – South Africa
The former England lock was born in Somerset West, South Africa.
Ribbans has previously discussed the prospect of playing for the Springboks after dropping out of the England picture following his move to Toulon.
Manu Tuilagi – Samoa
Tuilagi is not eligible to switch just yet, but that should change before the World Cup.
His final England appearance came against France in March 2024. That puts him on course to complete the three-year stand-down before the 2027 tournament.
Crucially, Tuilagi has already admitted he would be interested.
Sky Sports reported that the 60-cap England centre has left the door open to representing Samoa at the 2027 World Cup.
Five of Tuilagi’s brothers represented Samoa, so it would be quite the final chapter to his international career.
