REPORTS: Law change coming that will LET Vunipola's play for Tonga

Tuesday, 02 November 2021 at 16:44

byRugby Rucker

World Rugby President Bill Beaumont is following through with one of his many promises from his manifesto.

A radical proposal to relax eligibility laws, which could allow Billy and Mako Vunipola brothers to represent Tonga, has been hailed as a “game changer” for Pacific Island countries.

The council are reportedly preparing to vote on a proposal this month that would allow players to switch nations after a stand-down period of potentially two or three years.

World Rugby determined that the process should be “fair and credible” for all parties.

5 England stars who'd want to swap nations for next World Cup

1. Manu Tuilagi (Samoa)

Current number of caps: 41
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know? He was named Manusamoa, after the name of the Samoan national team, Manu Samoa, because his brother Freddie was selected for Samoa at the World Cup in 1991, the year Manu was born

The England centre, who was born in Fogapoa and came to the UK at the age of 13, is one of a clutch of Pacific Island players whose eligibility status could change if the restrictions are relaxed. He is the younger brother of Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, all of whom are Samoan internationals and also played for Leicester. It would be fantastic for the powerhouse to complete the set.

2. Mako Vunipola (Tonga)

Current number of caps: 73
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know? In 2018, Vunipola and his partner welcomed a son, Jacob.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, the loosehead-prop would be eligible to play for Tonga as he is the son of former Tonga captain Fe'ao Vunipola. He is also the nephew of two other former international players, Manu and 'Elisi Vunipola who both represented Tonga in the 1990s.

The prop has said that he'd love to play for Tonga, but worries he'd be taking the spot of a younger player.

“Obviously I’d love to play for them, but it’s difficult because it would be unfair to those back on the island; to see myself as an old man coming in and taking that opportunity away from them.

‘It’s a catch-22 really. You’d like to see people not being tied down to one (country) and being able to represent those countries – and they’d be better for it – but you’d also like locals to have the opportunity to make a better life for themselves by playing for their country and on the back of that getting contracts overseas.”

3. Nathan Hughes (Fiji)

Current number of caps: 20
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know? His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby

The number eight was unlucky not to be included in Eddie Jones' squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The number eight, who has impressed for Bristol Bears this season, would be a stellar addition to the Fiji pack.

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4. Christian Wade (USA)

Current number of caps: 1
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Did you know? In October 2018 Wade left rugby union to pursue a career in the NFL

Having left rugby union to pursue a career in the NFL, signing a reserve/future contract with the Bills on 6 January 2020. If he stays across the pond, the winger could make a shock switch back to the sport and possibly represent the USA at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, finally getting the international recognition he never received while playing in England.

Christian Wade of England (Wasps) who scored 3 tries against Barbarians - Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 31/05/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - England v Barbarians - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.

5. Denny Solomona (Samoa)

Current number of caps: 5
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 30
Did you know? He scored 42 tries in 2016, breaking the Super League record

Despite representing England in rugby union, the winger has previously played for Samoa at international in rugby league. After falling out of Eddie Jones plans, representing Samoa would give the deadly finisher another chance to prove himself on the international stage.