Harlequins wing Louis Lynagh will make his Italy debut as the Azzurri welcome Scotland to Rome on Saturday (KO 14:15).
The Academy graduate, who has 58 Quins appearances, has been named on the right wing for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with Gregor Townsend’s Scotland.
Having left a mark in Harlequins’ history with two crucial tries in the Premiership Final victory over Exeter, Lynagh’s career has faced setbacks due to significant injuries.
The 23-year-old was called up by England under Eddie Jones but failed to win a cap and has been overlooked completely by Steve Borthwick since he took over in December 2022.
Lynagh is part of a 33-man group named by Italy technical commissioner Gonzalo Quesada for the clash in Lille on February 18.
On confirming his move to United Rugby Championship high-flyers Benetton, Lynagh said: “It’s been a difficult decision to leave my boyhood club but I feel the time is right for a new challenge in Italy.
“I have lived in England since I was four-years-old, but Italy and Treviso have always been in my heart.
“My father played a fundamental role not only in my rugby career, but also in my life. He always wanted the best for me and always agreed with every decision I made.
“He told me that playing in Treviso will be the best for me and my style of rugby.”
Italy: 1. Danilo Fischetti (Zebre Parma) 2. Giacomo Nicotera (Benetton Rugby) 3. Simone Ferrari (Benetton Rugby) 5. Federico Ruzza (Benetton Rugby) 6. Sebastian Negri (Benetton Rugby) 7. Michele Lamaro (Benetton Rugby – Captain) 8. Ross Vintcent (Exeter Chiefs) 9. Martin Page-Relo (Lyon) 10. Paolo Garbisi (Toulon) 11. Monty Ioane (Lyon) 12. Tommaso Menoncello (Benetton Rugby) 13. Juan Ignacio Brex (Benetton Rugby) 14. Louis Lynagh (Harlequins) 15. Ange Capuozzo (Stade Toulousain)
Replacements: 16. Gianmarco Lucchesi (Benetton Rugby) 17. Spanish Mirco (Benetton Rugby) 18. Giosuè Zilocchi (Benetton Rugby) 19. Andrea Zambonin (Zebre Parma) 20. Lorenzo Cannone (Benetton Rugby) 21. Stephen Varney (Gloucester Rugby) 22. Leonardo Marin (Benetton Rugby) 23. Federico Mori (Bayonne)
Four England players set to swap nations after falling out of favour
While the decision to switch national teams remains speculative, there are five players who could be considering such a move. Additionally, there are other notable names, such as Sam Underhill and Manu Tuilagi, who could also potentially swap nations. Underhill could opt for the USA, while Tuilagi may consider representing Samoa, given their respective birthplaces.
Furthermore, the Vunipola brothers, Mako and Billy, might contemplate switching to Tonga, the birthplace of their father, under these new eligibility laws.
- Marcus Smith come straights back into the England team to play Ireland
- Nigel Owens Six Nations dream team includes both Owen Farrell and Stuart Hogg
- Joe Marler confirms left field career change following retirement date confirmation
- England’s worst rugby XV of 21st century includes Burgess, Cipriani and Vanikolo
#1. Ollie Hassell-Collins (Wales)
The Leicester Tigers winger, who was given his debut by Borthwick in 2023, has expressed his willingness to potentially represent Wales in 2026.
Despite earning two caps for England during last year’s Six Nations, the 25-year-old hasn’t been included in Steve Borthwick’s squad since then. Notably, he was absent from England A’s recent triumph over Portugal.
Ahead of this year’s Six Nations, Gatland had mentioned Hassell-Collins several times, especially during the discussion surrounding another dual-qualified winger, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
“I have seen Gatland’s interview,” Hassell-Collins told the Telegraph.
“I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider.
“I would qualify [for Wales] the year of the World Cup – that is, if he still wants me. Wales is still part of who I am.
“My grandma was Welsh and I still have family over there. It’s still a part of me – and I’d never turn it down – but for now it’s England for me.”