Former England prop Mako Vunipola has opened the door to playing for Tonga at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The 79-cap forward has confirmed Tonga have already approached him about a possible switch.
And it could see him face England at the World Cup.
Vunipola, 35, played his final Test for England during the 2023 Six Nations.
He is now eligible to represent Tonga through his father, Fe’ao.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Vunipola revealed Tonga raised the idea after he agreed to join Leicester Tigers.
“When I signed here they [Tonga] dropped in the idea of ‘what do you reckon about playing for us?’” he said.
Vunipola has not yet made a final decision.
He joked that it will be up to his wife. He also wants to see how his body handles another season of top-level rugby.
“It is one of those which is a day-by-day thing, week by week seeing if the body can actually still be at a level where I can offer anything,” he said.
“It is unfair to say ‘yeah, I’ll play’ because then you are picking yourself really.”
He could face England
A switch would set up a huge reunion at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Tonga are in Pool F alongside England, Wales and Zimbabwe.
It means Vunipola can potentially face the country he represented 79 times.
The loosehead made his England debut in 2012. He went on to play at three Rugby World Cups and was also selected for three British & Irish Lions tours.
Vunipola remains proud of everything he achieved with England.
“I think more than anything I am proud of my career playing for England and being able to represent England has been a massive honour,” he said.
However, his Tongan heritage also means a lot to him.
“I know my heritage is also Tongan. When I went into the Tongan camp, I was proud to be around people from my own heritage. It was nice. We will see what happens.”
His father, Fe’ao Vunipola, represented Tonga and played at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups.
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2027 Rugby World Cup Draw & Fixtures (UK times & Stadiums)
Pool A – New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong China
A heavyweight trans-Tasman showdown headlines this pool, with New Zealand and hosts Australia expected to battle for top spot. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting statement wins as they look to upset the established order.
- Australia v Hong Kong China | 1 Oct | 11:45 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- New Zealand v Chile | 2 Oct | 06:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- Australia v New Zealand | 9 Oct | 07:10 | Stadium Australia, Sydney
- Chile v Hong Kong China | 9 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- New Zealand v Hong Kong China | 15 Oct | 07:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Australia v Chile | 16 Oct | 06:10 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool B – South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Defending champions South Africa will start as clear favourites, but Italy’s steady rise and Georgia’s formidable forward power could make this pool tighter than expected. Romania will aim to rediscover their traditional edge on the world stage.
- South Africa v Italy | 3 Oct | 05:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Georgia v Romania | 3 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- South Africa v Georgia | 10 Oct | 07:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Italy v Romania | 11 Oct | 09:45 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
- Italy v Georgia | 17 Oct | 02:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- South Africa v Romania | 17 Oct | 12:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
Pool C – Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
This pool promises flair and unpredictability. Argentina and Fiji bring attacking firepower, while Spain continue their steady climb in Europe. Canada will look to re-establish themselves as a genuine World Cup force.
- Fiji v Spain | 4 Oct | 04:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- Argentina v Canada | 4 Oct | 09:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Fiji v Canada | 10 Oct | 02:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Argentina v Spain | 10 Oct | 05:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Argentina v Fiji | 16 Oct | 03:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Spain v Canada | 16 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
Pool D – Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
A fierce Celtic clash between Ireland and Scotland could decide top spot, but neither can afford to underestimate Uruguay or Portugal. Both emerging nations have proven capable of pushing Tier One sides deep into contests.
- Scotland v Uruguay | 3 Oct | 07:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Ireland v Portugal | 4 Oct | 07:15 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
- Ireland v Scotland | 10 Oct | 10:45 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- Uruguay v Portugal | 11 Oct | 07:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- Ireland v Uruguay | 17 Oct | 04:45 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Scotland v Portugal | 17 Oct | 07:15 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool E – France, Japan, USA, Samoa
France headline a dynamic group that blends European flair with Pacific power. Japan’s high-tempo style and Samoa’s physical edge make this one of the most dangerous pools, while the USA will be targeting a breakthrough campaign.
- France v USA | 2 Oct | 08:45 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- Japan v Samoa | 3 Oct | 02:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
- USA v Samoa | 9 Oct | 05:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
- France v Japan | 9 Oct | 09:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Japan v USA | 15 Oct | 10:30 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- France v Samoa | 17 Oct | 09:45 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Pool F – England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
England and Wales renew one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries in a pool packed with physicality. Tonga’s power game could prove decisive, while Zimbabwe will look to bring energy and ambition to every contest.
- Wales v Zimbabwe | 2 Oct | 03:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- England v Tonga | 2 Oct | 11:15 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
- Wales v Tonga | 8 Oct | 08:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- England v Zimbabwe | 8 Oct | 10:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Tonga v Zimbabwe | 15 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
- England v Wales | 16 Oct | 09:45 | Stadium Australia, Sydney
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