In an interview with the Mail Online, front-rower, Patrick Schickerling revealed he’s eligible to represent England based on residency.
The 24-years-old has made a significant impact for the Chiefs and was called up by Eddie Jones at the end of the last season.
He came on as a replacement in a game against the Barbarians, but had to leave the game due to a head injury.
He was then included in the squad for the tour of Australia, but did not make his Test debut.
However, it has since been revealed that he is illegible to play for England.
In a statement, Rob Baxter said: “He was clearly disappointed, which he should be, but at the same time, he also knows that he is a young man and that eligibility will come around in the very near future,”
“And actually, it probably may suit him a bit more than being eligible straight away now, to actually get that core of genuine experience under his belt before he gets called in there again. Not everything is a negative.
“It can feel that way sometimes but this is maybe one of the things that helps him become a really good international player.”
15 players who could still swap nations for World Cup as prop swaps South Africa for Wales
Ospreys head coach Tony Booth has suggested that experienced South African tighthead Tom Botha could be a surprise selection for Warren Gatland’s Wales team for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The 32-year-old South African rugby player standing at 1.79 m tall (5 ft 10 in) and weighing in at 110 kg (17 st 4.51 lb; 242.51 lb).
When queried about his evaluation of the former South Africa U20’s development and whether he sees him as a possibility for Gatland later this year, Booth gave a positive response.
“You’ve seen in recent performances how important scrums are,” he said. “Tommy is without doubt a specialist scrummager, so it depends on what you are looking for from the No. 3 shirt. Against certain opposition you require more of that, or less of that.
“His progress can be seen from the fact that we have a legitimate rotation policy around props. That’s not because we think it’s a nice thing to do or to keep everyone happy. You have to be good enough to be in that rotation.
“Tommy Botha is starting games where he’s always been seen as the back-up guy. That says enough to me that if called upon he’ll give it his best and be ready, because, ultimately, he’s delivering on his part of the jigsaw. From that point of view, why not?”
Players who could swap nations for the 2023 World Cup
Steve Luatua – New Zealand to Samoa
Alex Lozowski – England to Italy
John Cooney – Ireland to Scotland
Julian Savea – New Zealand to Samoa