5 England players you didn’t know could now represent other nations

Wednesday, 25 May 2022 at 14:21

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byRugby Rucker

Whether it's because of a childhood move, ancestry, or simply a desire for more game time, these five England players could look to swap nations.

#1. Billy Vunipola (England to Australia)

Age: 29
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 61
Last cap: March 2021
Did you know? Vunipola's father is former Tonga captain Fe'ao Vunipola and his mother, Iesinga Vunipola, a Methodist minister in High Wycombe

The 29-year-old, born in Sydney in 1992, would be free to play for the Aussies when he completes his three-years stand down from international rugby in March 2024.

Vunipola has been exiled from the England setup since the disappointing 2021 Six Nations as Eddie Jones’s patience with the ‘difficult’ back-rower finally ran out.

Winning 61 caps since making his debut in 2013, reports down under suggest Aussie chiefs want to make contact with the powerhouse about a potential swap.

Tonga, who Billy’s Dad Fe’ao played for in the 1990s, also remain keen on the Saracens star.

skysports rugby billy vunipola saracens 4201295

#2. Danny Cipriani (England to Trinidad & Tobago)

Age: 34
Position: Fly-half
Current number of caps: 16
Last cap: June, 2018
Did you know? A keen all-round sportsman, Cipriani played junior football for Queens Park Rangers and was offered youth terms by Reading

It’s suggested that the switch could be funded by World Rugby, who are looking to encourage former elite rugby players to represent third tier nations to help raise the sports profile in that country.

Cipriani has been heavily linked with a move to Major League Rugby in the USA after the fly-half confirmed he will be heading 'to a new country' following his departure from Bath at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old’s father is Afro-Trinidadian with some Italian heritage while his mother is English. They’re currently ranked 53rd in the world.

Bath Rugby player Danny Cipriani during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Nov 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/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. 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

#5. 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

Making waves in the Top 14 and Europe with Montpellier, Mercer pulling on the famous All Black jersey would be as shocking a switch of nationality that the game has ever seen.

Described as 'fat and lazy' by England boss Eddie Jones before his international debut, this would be the ultimate way to prove the Aussie wrong.

The only drawback to the switch is to become eligible for New Zealand he'd have to join one of their Super Rugby sides.

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