33-cap All Blacks star could switch allegiance to Wales for 2027 Rugby World Cup

Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at 23:14

byRugby Rucker

Under World Rugby’s birthright transfer regulations, a stack of former All Blacks are cleared or closing in on eligibility to represent other nations.

With national coaches actively recruiting top talent ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, several capped All Blacks could soon be wearing new colors on the international stage.

Here are the high-profile players eligible or rapidly approaching the window to swap test allegiances.

Hoskins Sotutu (Fiji or England)

Last All Black Cap: 2022
Switch Status: Eligible now

After missing out on selection under Scott Robertson, the powerful back-rower completed his required three-year stand-down period. Sotutu is eligible for Fiji through his father, former Fijian international Waisake Sotutu.

He is also eligible for England via his mother. Sotutu has previously hinted that his agent spoke with Steve Borthwick prior to his move to Newcastle Red Bulls over the summer.

Akira Ioane (Samoa)

Last All Black Cap: 2022
Switch Status: Eligible now

The dynamic loose forward last featured for New Zealand in late 2022 before heading to Japan. With his stand-down window officially passed, the path is clear for the older Ioane brother to follow in the footsteps of his father, Eddie Ioane, by pulling on the Manu Samoa jersey.

Ngani Laumape (Tonga)

Last All Black Cap: 2020
Switch Status: Eligible now

The hard-charging midfielder narrowly missed the eligibility window for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but has been eligible to represent Tonga since late 2023.

Laumape has also previously made himself available to Tonga, opening the door for the former All Blacks centre to add considerable experience to their midfield.

Folau Fakatava (Tonga)

Last All Black Cap: 2022
Switch Status: Eligible now

The energetic scrum-half earned two caps for New Zealand during the 2022 international season.

Born in Tonga, Fakatava has now completed the required three-year stand-down period and is eligible to switch international allegiance ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Shannon Frizell (Tonga & Wales)

Last All Black Cap: 2023
Switch Status: Eligible late 2026

A key figure in the All Blacks pack during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the hard-hitting blindside flanker moved to Japan following the tournament.

Born in Tonga, Frizell will complete his three-year stand-down period in late 2026, potentially opening the door to an international switch before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Frizell also has a Welsh connection through his Swansea-born father, Andrew. Before becoming an All Black, he was considered eligible for Wales and obtained a British passport through his father.

The WRU declined to comment about a fresh approach for Frizell when asked only a week ago.

Nepo Laulala (Samoa)

Last All Black Cap: 2023
Switch Status: Eligible November 2026

With 53 Test caps for New Zealand, the veteran tighthead prop last played for the All Blacks during the 2023 Rugby World Cup before joining Toulouse.

Born in Samoa, Laulala is set to complete the required three-year stand-down in November 2026, making him eligible to represent Manu Samoa ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Aidan Ross (Australia)

Last All Black Cap: 2022
Switch Status: Completed switch

Born in Gosford, New South Wales, Ross moved to New Zealand as a youngster and went on to make one appearance for the All Blacks against Ireland in July 2022.

After completing his three-year stand-down, the prop switched allegiance to Australia and made his Wallabies debut against Japan in 2025.

Ross has since won six caps for Australia and will soon take on the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup.