"I am open" - Italy ready to poach three former England stars

Wednesday, 26 January 2022 at 15:25

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byRugby Rucker

Italy head coach Kieran Crowley has revealed he has spoken directly with three England players about pulling on the blue jersey of the Azzurri.

#1. Alex Lozowski

Lozowski, who has an Italian grandmother, could take advantage of the new World Rugby rules surrounding eligibility. The Saracens star, who won the last of his six England caps in 2018, could swap with immediate effect following the rule change.

Akihito Yamada of Japan is tackled by Alex Lozowski of England during the Quilter International Match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 17th November 2018. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK]

#2. Louis Lynagh

Uncapped former England U20 star Lynagh, son of rugby great Michael Lynagh, qualifies for Italy via his mother. He is also eligible for Australia and England.

Louis Lynagh (Harlequins, uncapped) during England Rugby training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, London on 28 Sept 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

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#3. Paolo Odogwu

“Paolo has been contacted, and the other two I have spoken to personally,” Crowley said at the Guinness Six Nations virtual media launch.

“We have discussed it and they have made decisions at the moment that I respect 100 per cent and I support them 100 per cent. I will keep in contact with them. If they declared themselves available for Italy, certainly we would be looking at them. They are all quality players. I am open to anyone being available.

Try Celebrations for Paolo Odogwu of Wasps during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Wasps at the Recreation Ground on 8 Jan. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK/Gallagher