Georgia begin World Rugby-backed talks to join elite European competition

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 at 09:03

byRugby Rucker

Georgia's rugby ambitions have reached a new level as they embark on negotiations to get their domestic side, Black Lion, into the United Rugby Championship (URC), with full backing from World Rugby.

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Frustrated by their Test side being left out of the upper echelons of international rugby, the Lelos are shifting their focus to domestic success according to Mail Online.

Richard Cockerill Leads the Charge

Under the stewardship of former England and Leicester hooker Richard Cockerill, Georgia has long harboured dreams of joining the Six Nations. However, their goal isn't to replace one of the current six competitors, but to see an expanded tournament that includes them.

Six Nations Dreams Put on Hold

Despite sitting above Wales in the World Rugby rankings, those dreams of Six Nations inclusion are still a distant prospect. With that in mind, Georgia has set its sights on a new target—joining the URC, which already features clubs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa.

Shifting Focus to Domestic Glory

Levan Maisashvili, Georgia’s high-performance director and former coach, confirmed the shift in focus to the Mail Online, revealing that Georgia has officially pulled out of the Rugby Europe Super Cup to begin talks for URC inclusion.

“This is one of our biggest strategic goals, and we have full support from World Rugby in this regard,” Maisashvili told Mail Sport. “Being part of the URC would be a massive leap for Georgian rugby, especially with the challenges ahead starting in 2026, when we will lose the chance to play tier-one nations before Rugby World Cups.”

The URC Is the Next Step for Georgia

It’s clear—Georgia’s plan to elevate themselves in world rugby is just getting started, and the URC is their next big step.

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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