The latest eligibility laws by World Rugby have created a possibility for several renowned England players to represent a different country from their initial capped one, both in the present and upcoming years.
These new regulations state that players can meet the transfer qualification criteria by abstaining from Test rugby for three years and being either born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent who was born there.
Although some players are more likely to do so than others, here we discuss five players who could potentially switch.
#1. Zach Mercer to New Zealand
Mercer’s choice to return from France and commit to Gloucester prior to the 2023/24 Premiership season is a clear signal of his eagerness to rejuvenate his Test career with the English national rugby team.
Nonetheless, it’s noteworthy that the versatile number eight holds the option to switch his allegiance to New Zealand.
This possibility arises due to his eligibility for the All Blacks, facilitated by his father’s illustrious rugby league career that encompassed 21 Test appearances for the New Zealand team.