“One hundred per cent,” - Sonny Bill Williams interested in swapping nations

Sunday, 16 January 2022 at 08:42

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byRugby Rucker

World Rugby's eligibility rule change came too late for Sonny Bill Williams, and it may have cost the code the chance to see the former All Black wear the blue of Manu Samoa at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Nevertheless, it would be awesome if they could tempt the World Cup-winning centre out of retirement for one last international cap. Looking at his boxing training, he's definitely still in incredible shape.

When asked if he'd swap nations, he said: “One hundred per cent,”

“I kind of did it [representing Samoa] but going back to Tana [Umaga] and what he was trying to achieve at the Blues.

“Obviously, we didn't achieve everything we wanted to, but I was in that space that I was well aware of what we could represent and what we could achieve as Polynesians and Māori. So, yes, I definitely would have entertained that idea.

“No one wants to see the All Blacks beating Tonga by 100 points, because that’s not a true representation of the competitiveness and the quality of players that Tonga has produced,” Williams said.

“If we had more competitive game, more high-profile players playing in them, then you’d get more money in the game. We all the know the politics in sport, especially in the islands, but it's a step in the right direction [the eligibility change].'

Five England stars you didn’t know can swap nations for 2023 Rugby World Cup

Below, we pick out five England players you didn't know could swap nations ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, either immediately or in the run-up to the tournament.

#1. 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

#2. George Kruis (England to Canada)

Age: 31
Position: Second-row
Current number of caps: 45
Last cap: March, 2020
Did you know? He could however eventually play for Canada through his Canadian father, although he’d have to wait until March, 2023

George Kruis of Saracens arrives during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on June 1 2019. - PHOTO: Cameron Geran/PPAUK

#3. Matt Kvesic

Age: 29
Position: Back-row
Current number of caps: 4
Last cap: September, 2019
Did you know? Born in Germany to English parents, Kvesic made his senior debut for Worcester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against the Scarlets on 14 November 2009, becoming the youngest player to represent the Warriors in the professional era

Exeter Chiefs player Matt Kvesic during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on March 2nd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#4. Charlie Sharples (England to Hong Kong)

Age: 32
Position: Winger
Current number of caps: 4
Last cap: November, 2012
Did you know? Born in Hong Kong, Sharples ran a time of 11.30 seconds over the 100m distance at the age of 17

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#5. 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

He is reportedly still holding out hope of adding to his five England caps despite no recent soundings from coach Eddie Jones. The Mail Online have reported that Italy have not been in contact with 28-year-old, although we doubt it will be long until they do.