Ex-England forward set to play against Lions after swapping nations

Tuesday, 15 April 2025 at 22:38

byRugby Rucker

One-Test England international Nic Dolly is staying put at Western Force, signing a contract extension that will keep him in Perth until the end of 2028.

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But while his Super Rugby Pacific journey continues, there’s a bigger storyline bubbling away in the background.

Dolly, 25, has made no secret of his desire to wear Wallaby gold, and this latest deal could be another major step toward making that dream a reality. If he does, it would be history in the making – no player has ever represented both England and Australia in Test rugby.

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The hooker earned his sole England cap in 2021, but after making the switch from Leicester Tigers to the Force, his focus appears to have shifted. Since arriving, he’s made three starts in as many games, proving his worth in a highly competitive squad.

And competition is fierce. Brandon Paenga-Amosa and the currently injured Tom Horton are also in the mix for that No. 2 jersey, but Sydney-born Dolly is more than up for the challenge.

"Perth is a beautiful spot" – Dolly on why he's staying

“What they’re trying to build over here is long-term success, and you can only have that with a strong squad,” Dolly said after re-signing.

“With the signings they’re making, I wanted to stay long-term. That’s one of many things—Perth is a beautiful spot, the boys here are great, and the coaching staff and playing group are really ambitious.”

And when it comes to the battle for selection, Dolly is embracing the fight.

“I look at my position, and it’s probably one of the strongest within the squad in terms of depth,” he added. “We push each other, but we also want that spot.

“That’s really healthy to have in the group. The more we see that throughout every position, the better we’ll get.”

Could this commitment to the Force pave the way for a historic Wallabies call-up? Time will tell.

Six England players who could swap nations before the 2027 Rugby World Cup

With World Rugby’s eligibility laws allowing players to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, a number of familiar faces from England’s past and present could soon be wearing different colours on the international stage.

Here's a look at six England stars who could make a major international switch before the 2027 Rugby World Cupin Australia.

?? Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa

The most high-profile name on this list, Manu Tuilagi, has long been the bulldozing presence in England's midfield. Born in Samoa, the 33-year-old is eligible to represent the Pacific Island nation after completing the three-year stand-down rule.

With his England career coming to an end last year and the next generation of centres taking over, Tuilagi could provide Samoa with a major boost in 2027 if he stays fit during his time in France.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 33
England caps: 60+
Club: Sale Sharks
Born in: Fogapoa, Samoa

?? Dan Kelly – England to Ireland

Dan Kelly has one cap for England, earned under Eddie Jones in 2021. However, because more than three years will have passed by the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and since he has Irish heritage through his Dublin-born mother, he would be eligible to switch to Ireland under World Rugby’s revised eligibility laws.

Ireland could be a serious option if his international pathway with England remains blocked.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 23
England caps: 0
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Irish mother

? Ollie Hassell-Collins – England to Wales

Having fallen out of favour with England after brief involvement under Borthwick, Ollie Hassell-Collins may look across the border for international redemption. Born in Reading but with Welsh heritage through his grandfather, the powerful winger could qualify for Wales by ancestry.

If he makes a move to a Welsh region in the next couple of years, the switch could become very real.

Bio:
Position: Wing
Age: 26
England caps: 2
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Welsh grandfather

??/?? Billy Vunipola – England to Tonga or Australia

Veteran number eight Billy Vunipola has been a central figure in English rugby for a decade, but with younger options like Ben Earl and Tom Willis rising, his time in white came to an end when he joined Montpellier last summer. The powerhouse was born in Australia and has Tongan heritage, meaning he’s eligible for either nation.

A return to family roots with Tonga or a move to the Wallabies would certainly shake things up ahead of 2027.

Bio:
Position: Number 8
Age: 32
England caps: 70+
Club: Saracens
Born in: Sydney, Australia
Eligible for: Tonga (ancestry), Australia (birth)

?? Mako Vunipola – England to Tonga

Like his younger brother Billy, Mako Vunipola is also eligible to switch to Tonga. The veteran prop, born in Wellington, New Zealand to Tongan parents, hasn’t featured for England since retiring following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

At 34, his international days may not be over just yet — especially with Tonga looking to add experience and grit to their forward pack.

Bio:
Position: Loosehead prop
Age: 34
England caps: 70+
Club: Saracens
Born in: Wellington, New Zealand
Eligible for: Tonga (parents)

?? Alex Lozowski – England to Italy

One of the most underrated utility backs in English rugby, Alex Lozowski qualifies for Italy through his father, former rugby league international Rob Lozowski. With Italy continuing to build their depth, the door could open for the Saracens star — especially with his England career stalled.

He’s already played for the Barbarians and would offer Italy experience, flair, and versatility.

Bio:
Position: Fly-half/Centre/Fullback
Age: 31
England caps: 5
Club: Saracens
Eligible through: Italian father

Final thoughts

With World Rugby's rules now opening the door to multi-national careers, don’t be surprised if a few of these stars show up in unfamiliar jerseys come 2027. Whether it's the pull of heritage, game time, or one last shot at the global stage — the future could be red, green, or gold for these former England internationals.

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