Former England winger Louis Lynagh scored a try on his international debut as he collected the ball to score for Italy against Scotland in Rome.
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Lynagh, whose mother is Italian, was born in Italy and played at Under-20 level for England where he grew up but while he was called into a training squad under Eddie Jones, he did not win a cap and has not since featured in Steve Borthwick’s plans.
His selection for Italy comes after he announced he would play his club rugby at Benetton in Italy next season, with his signing from Harlequins confirmed last month.
Both his famous Dad Michael and mother were at the game today.
One fan wrote: “England should have picked Lynagh. He’s as good as Freeman and better than Daly. Michael close to tears I bet.”
A second said: “Pleased for Louise Lynagh – good Italian try. How many more are England going to let slip by?”
Another commented: “England’s wingers have been so dull. Lynagh has been a breath of fresh air for Italy today.”
“All Blacks-bound” – Five England players set to swap nations after falling out of favour
World Rugby’s latest eligibility rules have opened up the door for several prominent England players to potentially switch allegiances to different countries.
Under these new regulations, players can become eligible to represent another nation if they refrain from Test rugby for three years and have a birth connection to the desired country or through a parent or grandparent.
While the decision to switch national teams remains speculative, there are five players who could be considering such a move. Additionally, there are other notable names, such as Sam Underhill and Manu Tuilagi, who could also potentially swap nations. Underhill could opt for the USA, while Tuilagi may consider representing Samoa, given their respective birthplaces.
Furthermore, the Vunipola brothers, Mako and Billy, might contemplate switching to Tonga, the birthplace of their father, under these new eligibility laws.
#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.”