Johnny Sexton takes swipe at Finn Russell and Marcus Smith

Friday, 07 February 2025 at 21:24

byRugby Rucker

, examines the composition of various national teams, shedding light on the number of foreign-born players and how they qualify for their respective squads.

Former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has reignited his long-standing rivalry with Scotland's Finn Russell, dismissing the fellow British & Irish Lions fly-half as "flashy" in a candid new interview.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

The 39-year-old, who retired from rugby following the 2023 World Cup, has been making headlines recently after a series of bold claims in his new autobiography, where he doesn't hold back in critiquing both players and coaches from his past.

2021 Lions Snub Still Hurts

One of the key talking points in Sexton’s autobiography is his exclusion from the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, a decision that continues to haunt the Irishman. In the book, Sexton admits that missing out on selection “kills me to this day,” as he was passed over in favour of Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar, and Finn Russell.

While Farrell and Biggar had been previous favourites of Lions head coach Warren Gatland, Sexton suggests that Russell’s media appeal played a significant role in his selection.

“Competition was tight, I’ll admit,” Sexton wrote. “I expected Gats would go with Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar, players who had delivered for him before. Quality players and proven winners.

"Finn Russell was the darling of the media during that year’s Six Nations, but he didn’t look like a Gatland player to me. I reckoned that if Gats chose three out-halves and if he was true to his ideals, I was in.”

Thoughts on the Next Lions Fly-Half

In a Sexton didn't mince his words when discussing the future of the Lions' number 10 jersey for the 2025 tour to Australia. While he praised Owen Farrell for his reliability in high-pressure matches, Sexton was far less enthusiastic about Russell and England’s Marcus Smith.

The Times,

“I’d pick Owen Farrell,” Sexton stated. “Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals. I know who the media would want—Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, the flashy players…”

He then changed his mind, leaving Russell as the only member of the "flashy" bracket, as he added: “Marcus, I think, is a generational talent. I actually wouldn’t really include him. He looks flashy, but I think he manages the game really well. I think he can light up a game. But for me, I’d like Owen. He can do some remarkable things."

Six England stars who could switch nations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Under the revised rules, players can represent a new nation if they’ve gone three years without a Test cap and have a qualifying birthright through a parent or grandparent.

While some players have hinted at potential switches, others are already positioning themselves for a move. Here are six England stars who could pull on a different jersey in 2027.

Ollie Hassell-Collins – From the Rose to the Dragon?

Ollie Hassell-Collins has made it clear—if England don’t come calling soon, he’s open to switching to Wales.

The Leicester Tigers winger, capped twice by England in the 2023 Six Nations, has been frozen out under Steve Borthwick. But with Welsh ancestry on his side, he’ll qualify for Warren Gatland’s squad in early 2026.

Gatland himself has already hinted he’d welcome Hassell-Collins into the Welsh camp, and the speedster hasn’t ruled it out either.

"I have seen Gatland’s interview. 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."

With Wales on the hunt for attacking firepower, a switch to the valleys could be on the cards.

Dan Kelly – From the Red Rose to the Shamrock

Dan Kelly’s move to Munster has changed everything.

The 23-year-old centre, who earned his lone England cap in 2021, is heading to Ireland next season—setting himself up perfectly for a potential Test career under Andy Farrell.

Kelly previously played for Ireland U20s alongside Jack Crowley and Tom Ahern, and with his eligibility kicking in by 2024, he could be in green well before the next World Cup.

Born in Manchester but qualifying through his grandparents, Kelly’s path mirrors that of James Lowe and Bundee Aki—both key figures in Ireland’s setup.

Manu Tuilagi – Finally Following His Family?

The youngest Tuilagi brother might finally be joining the family tradition.

Manu Tuilagi—named after the Samoan national team—has long been the odd one out, as his brothers all opted to play for Manu Samoa instead of the European nations they lived in.

With his England career winding down, the 32-year-old powerhouse is eyeing a 2027 World Cup swansong in blue.

"England is very special to me, but my heart and home is still Samoa. I'd love to pull on the blue jersey one day."

Set to turn 35 by 2027, time isn’t on his side, but if there’s one man who can still bulldoze defenders well into his mid-30s, it’s Tuilagi.

Billy Vunipola – A Wallaby Wildcard or a Tongan Tank?

Billy Vunipola playing for the Wallabies? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.

Born in Sydney before moving to the UK as a child, Vunipola qualifies to represent Australia under World Rugby’s eligibility rules. And with Eddie Jones previously hinting at a potential switch, the door is open for a return down under.

Alternatively, he could follow in his father’s footsteps and turn out for Tonga—where his powerful ball-carrying would be a game-changer for the Pacific Islanders.

Currently playing in France, Vunipola would be eligible for a switch in 2026. With 75 England caps to his name, he’d bring serious experience to either side.

Nathan Hughes – Ready to Fly with the Fijians?

Nathan Hughes isn’t just open to a Fiji switch—he’s actively considering it.

The former England No.8, who last played Test rugby in 2019, is now based in Japan but has publicly stated his desire to wear the white jersey of Fiji.

"Yes, 100 per cent."

Hughes, who earned 22 caps for England under Eddie Jones, would be available for Fiji immediately. Given the Flying Fijians’ growing reputation on the world stage, he’d be a massive addition to their squad.

Zach Mercer – The All Black Alternative

Zach Mercer in black? It’s a possibility.

The talented No.8 qualifies for the All Blacks through his father, former New Zealand rugby league international Gary Mercer.

Currently starring for Gloucester, Mercer has yet to feature in England’s Test plans under Steve Borthwick. But if his international career remains on ice, he could explore a route into Ian Foster’s setup before 2027.

UPDATED: Foreign-born players in the 2025 Six Nations

With eligibility rules allowing selections through ancestry, residency, or other pathways, squads feature a fascinating mix of homegrown stars and those who developed their skills elsewhere before qualifying for their adopted countries.

The following breakdown, based on data compiled by Americas Rugby News

This international blend underlines rugby’s global nature, with some nations leaning on overseas-born talent more than others. Ahead of round two, we've broken down the squads – and Scotland lead the way by a mile when it comes to foreign-born players.