World Rugby’s recent revisions to eligibility regulations have created opportunities for several prominent England players to potentially switch national allegiances.
According to the updated guidelines, players can qualify to represent a different nation if they abstain from Test rugby for a three-year period and possess a birth connection to the desired country, or through a parent or grandparent.
Manu Tuilagi is poised to make his final appearance for England this weekend against France before departing for a French club following the conclusion of the Premiership season.
The formidable centre, set to turn 35 in 2027, would fulfil the requisite three-year stand-down period, rendering him eligible to play for Samoa in the upcoming Rugby World Cup. Interestingly, Tuilagi, whose brother Freddie competed for Samoa in the 1991 World Cup, was named Manusamoa, in homage to the Samoan national team.
Additionally, the Vunipola brothers, Mako and Billy, may contemplate representing Tonga, the birthplace of their father, given the new eligibility criteria.
While any decisions regarding national team switches remain speculative, there are indications that five more players could be exploring similar moves.
- 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.”