Jack Willis could swap nations to play for England's Six Nations rivals

 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.

Several of the nation’s former top stars are now eligible to represent other countries through family heritage in the build up to the 2027 World Cup.

Jack Willis may lead the charge, but he’s far from alone. Ironically, England’s own rules restricting overseas-based players have created the conditions for one of the sport’s biggest potential talent shifts.

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.