England star Marcus Smith hopes to represent another country

 through his Italian grandmother. Under the updated World Rugby eligibility rules, he could switch allegiance after the required stand‑down period following his last England cap in 2018.

The 27-year-old, whose roots trace back to the Philippines with a Filipino mother and a British father, shared that he proudly sports the flag of his birthplace each time he takes the field.

Having spent the formative eight years of his life in the Philippines, Smith's commitment to his heritage shines through in this symbolic gesture on the rugby pitch.

Speaking on the recent Six Nations Netflix documentary, Smith said: "I wear my lucky pants, which have got a half English flag and a half Filipino flag.

"I make sure I wear them so I remember where I've come from and who I'm playing for."

Smith has previously has expressed his aspiration to become involved in Philippine rugby once his current Test career with England concludes.

According to the current World Rugby eligibility rules, Smith could potentially represent the Philippines after a three-year stand-down period.

During an Ask Me Anything session with England, Smith was questioned about his interest in representing the Philippines.

“One day I’d love to help and be involved in Philippine rugby, my brother currently plays for the Philippines,” the 30-cap England international said.

“Obviously my heart and my mind are fully with England at the minute, it’s a dream of mine to be wearing this kit right now.

"One day that might be different, or when I retire from here, if I get that opportunity, if my body still holds up, it would be lovely to play with both of my younger brothers.”

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The flanker has been one of England’s standout back-row players, renowned for his relentless work at the breakdown and ball-carrying power. He last played for England in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and due to England’s rules restricting overseas-based players, he has not been selected since moving to France.

Willis qualifies to represent Ireland through his grandparents, but under World Rugby’s rules, he must complete a three-year stand-down period from his last England Test.

That period is expected to conclude in late 2026, making him eligible to switch allegiances in time for the 2027 World Cup. Should he make the move, Willis would become one of the most high-profile English rugby defections in history, bringing his dynamic back-row skills to the Irish squad.

Mako is long established as an England prop, but with Tongan heritage via his parents and no England appearances since the 2023 World Cup, he could be eligible to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility rules (three‑year stand‑down + heritage) should he choose to pursue that route. 

A talented centre currently playing in Ireland, Kelly has one senior England cap but has since appeared for Ireland A, aligning him with Ireland under current eligibility pathways.

England’s restrictions on overseas‑based players limited his opportunities with the Red Rose, but a full switch to Ireland gives him the chance for consistent Test rugby and a starting role at the 2027 World Cup.

Billy also qualifies for Tonga through family heritage. Despite a long England career, he hasn’t featured since playing in 2024 under the overseas‑based restrictions. Tonga has shown interest in bringing the powerful number 8 into their squad for 2027, and given the eligibility framework, he could make such a switch.

Ribbans was born in South Africa and qualified for England on ancestry grounds; he last played for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

He has since moved overseas to Toulon, making him ineligible for England under RFU policy. 

He is now eligible to switch to South Africa following the three‑year stand‑down rule and his birthright—a move that has already been reported in the context of RWC 2027 planning. 

Tuilagi’s situation has a personal legacy element: he was born in Samoa, and five of his brothers have represented Samoa internationally.

His full given name, Manusamoa, was in part a celebration of his oldest brother’s Samoan debut (a widely reported rugby anecdote).

Despite 60+ England caps, Tuilagi is now overseas‑based and has looked at the possibility of switching to Samoa after a three‑year stand‑down from England Tests, provided he is still fit and playing by 2027.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Dolly qualified for England and earned one senior cap in 2021, but has since returned to Australia to play club rugby.

Because more than three years have passed since his England appearance, and he qualifies for Australia by birth and heritage, he is eligible to represent the Wallabies if selected. 

A versatile centre and utility back, Lozowski is eligible to represent Italy

Approaches from the Italian setup have been reported, and if Lozowski elects to take that route, it would offer him regular international rugby and a chance to shine on the World Cup stage for the Azzurri.