Jack Willis set to swap nations and clubs ahead of the Six Nations

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.

And in a twist of irony, England’s own rules on overseas-based players may have created the conditions for one of the most dramatic talent shifts the sport has seen.

The Toulouse back-rower last featured for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but since moving to France he has been frozen out of Test selection under RFU regulations. That absence could yet have major consequences.

Willis qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, and under World Rugby regulations would be eligible to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period from his last England appearance.

That window closes in late 2026 — just in time for the 2027 World Cup. If the switch were to happen, it would rank among the most high-profile defections in English rugby history.

The player himself has played down the idea.

“I am quarter-Irish. My grandad is from Northern Ireland so he’s fully Irish,” Willis said. “But I’ve always grown up supporting England — my brother (Tom) the same.

"You’re always looking at possibilities because you want to play international rugby, but we see ourselves as English.”

However, speculation refuses to disappear. Speaking on The Rugby Pod, former Scotland international Jim Hamilton claimed Munster are at least exploring the idea.

“There are rumours they’re adding to the squad,” Hamilton said. “I can’t see it happening, and I don’t know where this guy has any Irish in him, but Jack Willis from Toulouse to Munster.”

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.