Four test players who could switch to England under new rules

Sunday, 05 December 2021 at 20:46

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byRugby Rucker

World Rugby has relaxed its eligibility rules to allow national team players to switch countries as of January.

The birthright amendment was approved by the World Rugby Council and stands to benefit Pacific island countries in particular.

Players who have already represented one country in the Test arena will be able to do so for another under certain criteria.

If they have not been selected for their first international team for three years, they can switch allegiance to a different country if they, a parent or a grandparent were born there.

Inspired by Wales Online's article on who could play for Wales under the new rules, we look at who could swap to England.

We have had a look at some of those who would possibly demand a place in Eddie jones squad.

#1. Hoskins Sotutu (New Zealand to England)

According to the Daily Telegraph in 2020, his eligibility prompted coach Eddie Jones to start investigating whether he could be convinced to represent England. Born and raised in New Zealand, he also qualifies for Fiji though his father and England though his mother.

Blues flanker Sotutu, 23, has won 10 caps for the All Blacks, the last of those coming against Italy in November.

#2. Michael Hooper (Australia to England)

Following a number of standout performances at the Junior U20 championship in 2010, there were reports that the standout back-rower was a transfer target for Leicester Tigers. The RFU were reportedly involved in the bid as Hooper would have been eligible to play for England as his father is from Kent.

With His family heritage, the Wallabies skipper would therefore actually be able to play for England in 2024 when he'd be aged 33 if he stepped away from the gold jersey.

#3. Ross Moriarty (Wales to England)

The back-rower played for England at both U18 and U20 level, winning the IRB Junior World Championship in 2014. He has since gone onto win 45 caps for Wales since making his international debut in 2015.

Born in Liverpool, he'd be eligible to play for England in three years time in what would be a shock change of country.

#4. Ali Price (Scotland to England)

Born in King’s Lynn in England, Price qualified for Scotland through his mother as he has extended family in South Ayrshire. The Lions scrum-half, who has won 45 caps since making his debut in 2016, would walk into the England team right now if we're being serious.