"He said I'm on standby" - What Eddie Jones said to player who can swap nations

Friday, 25 March 2022 at 21:09

byRugby Rucker

A number of England internationals are now free to swap countries after The World Rugby Council approved an amendment to the sport’s regulations.

One England player has already revealed that he has the full support of the RFU to make the trailblazing move while another has been told by Eddie Jones the decision is up to the player

Below, we look at five former England stars who could swap nations with IMMEDIATE effect.

#1. Alex Lozowski (England to Italy)

Age: 28
Position: Fly-half, Centre, Wing, Fullback
Current number of caps: 5
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? Lozowski is the son of Rob Lozowski and was a sporting allrounder in his teenage years, playing not only rugby for the Wasps academy but also football for the Chelsea academy

'I feel an English bloke. At the moment that is where my loyalties lie, even if I'm not going to get picked," said Lozowski.

Alex Lozowski of England commits a tackle during the Quilter International Match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 17th November 2018. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK]

"That might not make sense to some people because they might think if I'm not getting picked for England, I may as well go and play for Italy. But I'm the type of player who needs to be all in to play for a team. At this stage of my career, I'm still passionately English.

'Eddie Jones said it's up to me which at the end of the day it is. If I hadn't played for England then maybe I wouldn't feel as English as I do. Because I have, I have that attachment.'

'I always thought when I was growing up that it was peculiar you could play for more than one country. If I'm honest about it, my grandmother was Italian, but I've never lived in Italy.

"Potentially that got me considered for the squad, but sometimes being on standby is worse than being completely forgotten about!'

#2. Denny Solomona (England to Fiji)

Age: 28
Position: Winger
Current number of caps: 5
Last cap: June, 2018
Did you know? Solomona feels that meeting senior players can be important for the motivation and development of school age players.

After leaving Sale Sharks, Solomona has revealed that theRFU are in full support of him representing Fiji in the future.

skysports denny solomona england argentina 3975564 1

#3. Zach Mercer (England to New Zealand)

Age: 24
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 2
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? His father is former rugby league footballer and coach Gary Mercer, who played for New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori rugby league team

Zach Mercer of England goes over for a try during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#4. Nathan Hughes (England to Fiji)

Age: 30
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 20
Last cap: March, 2019
Did you know? His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby

Try Celebrations for Nathan Hughes of Bristol Bears of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on 1 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#5. Semesa Rokoduguni (England to Fiji)

Age: 34
Position: Winger
Current number of caps: 4
Last cap: November, 2017
Did you know? Rokoduguni is a sniper of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in the British Army