Former England World Cup player may switch to Springboks

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.

Etzebeth is now racing to be fit for the Springboks’ July fixtures after picking up an injury during the Sharks’ defeat to Connacht.

At 34, there are increasing questions about how long he can remain at the top level, particularly as this setback comes soon after a 12-week suspension for an eye-gouge on Wales player Alex Mann.

As South Africa’s most-capped player, his absence would be a significant blow. It also adds to their problems at lock, with head coach Rassie Erasmus already without RG Snyman, who suffered an ACL injury while playing for Leinster.

With two experienced options sidelined, 30-year-old Ribbans may now be firmly on the radar for selection. He is currently playing for Toulon after six seasons with Northampton Saints.

Still, he is no longer eligible for England because of the RFU rule that prevents the selection of overseas-based players.

If he were to switch allegiance, he would still have to wait until the autumn before becoming available for South Africa, once his three-year stand-down period has been completed.

Ribbans has previous international experience with England. He was called into a senior training squad in 2020 under Eddie Jones and made his Test debut in 2022 against Japan. He also featured against New Zealand shortly after.

Under Steve Borthwick, he was included in England’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad. He played in three warm-up matches and started against Chile in the group stage.

While he missed the knockout games, he did come off the bench in England’s final match of the tournament, helping them secure third place with a win over Argentina.

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.

Smith has suggested a surprising possibility for his international career, hinting that he might consider representing another nation in the future.

The 27-year-old playmaker, capped 50 times by England, opened up during an “Ask Me Anything” with England Rugby, admitting that while his heart is fully with England for now, he dreams of one day backing—and maybe even representing—the Philippines on the rugby field.

“One day I’d love to help and be involved in Philippine rugby—my brother currently plays for the Philippines,” said Smith. “Right now, my heart and mind are fully with England. It’s a dream to wear this kit.

"But one day that might be different… if the chance comes and my body holds up, it would be amazing to play alongside my younger brothers.”

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.