Foreign-Born Players at 2022 Six Nations: Home Nations ranked

Sunday, 23 January 2022 at 14:22

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byRugby Rucker

RUCK takes an in-depth look at the foreign-born players in each of the home nations Six Nations squads, and where they were born. It’s an interesting list for sure.

This article attempts to identify the qualifications of players not born in the country they are representing.

It should also be noted that there are many examples of players who qualify for a nation they may have no affiliation with other than having been born there.

Cameron Redpath, for example, was born in France while his father was on a professional contract but moved to England before the age of one.

#4. England - Two players

Bevan Rodd (Scotland) - Parent
Marcus Smith (Philippines) - Parent

Try Celebrations for Marcus Smith of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#3. Ireland - Six players

Last year: 8

Rob Herring (South Africa) - Grandparent
Finlay Bealham (Australia) - Grandparent
James Lowe (New Zealand) - Residency (2020)
Joey Carbery (New Zealand) - Residency (2019)
Jamison Gibson Park (New Zealand) - Residency (2019)
Mack Hansen (Australia) - Parent

#2. Wales - 12 players

Last year: 12

Bradley Roberts (South Africa) - Grandparent
Tomas Francis (England) - Grandparent
Ben Carter (England)
Will Rowlands (Wales) - Parent
Christ Tshiunza (Democratic Republic of the Congo) - Residency
Ross Moriarty (England) - Parent
Gareth Anscombe (New Zealand) - Parent
Jonathan Davies (England) - Parent
Willis Halaholo (New Zealand) - Residency (2019)
Nick Tompkins (England) - Grandparent
Alex Cuthbert (England)
Johnny McNicholl (New Zealand) - Residency (2019)

#1. Scotland - 22 players

Last year: 23

Ewan Ashman (Canada) - Parent
WP Nel (South Africa) - Residency (2015)
Pierre Schoeman (South Africa) - Residency (2021)
Javan Sebastian (Wales) - Parent
Sam Skinner (England) - Parent
Josh Bayliss (England) - Grandparent
Andy Christie (England) - Grandparent
Nick Haining (Australia) - Grandparent
Hamish Watson (England) - Grandparent
Ali Price (England) - Parent
Ben Vellacott (England) - Parent
Ben White (England)
Chris Harris (England) - Grandparent
Rory Hutchinson (England) - Parent
Sam Johnson (Australia) - Residency (2018)
Cameron Redpath (France) - Parent
Sione Tuipulotu (Australia) - Grandparent
Rufus McLean (USA) - Parent
Kyle Rowe (England) - Parent
Kyle Steyn (South Africa) - Parent
Duhan van de Merwe (South Africa) - Residency (2020)

Cameron Redpath of Bath Rugby goes over for a try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on 14 May. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK