All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu could remarkably line up against New Zealand at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with a number of former stars able to switch nations before the tournament.
Nonu won 103 caps for New Zealand and helped the All Blacks lift back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015.
His final Test came in the 2015 final against Australia, where he scored a famous try at Twickenham.
More than a decade later, the powerhouse centre is still playing professional rugby.
From an eligibility perspective, Nonu's long absence from international rugby means the required stand-down period would not be an obstacle to a potential switch.
The 44-year-old's parents were both born in Samoa, meaning he would be able to swap nations without question.
There is currently no suggestion that Samoa intend to select Nonu for the 2027 World Cup. However, he is one of several former All Blacks with a potential route to another Test nation.
Here are four more.
Shannon Frizell – Wales
This would be some switch.
The 33-cap All Black could become available to Wales in late 2026, having played his final Test for New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final.
Frizell has a Welsh connection through his Swansea-born father, Andrew, and previously obtained a British passport.
The back-rower was born in Tonga, giving him another possible international option.
The WRU and Tonga Rugby Union both declined to comment earlier this year when asked whether they had approached Frizell.
That leaves the door open to a fascinating decision ahead of Australia 2027.
Hoskins Sotutu – England
England could also benefit from World Rugby's international transfer rules.
Hoskins Sotutu won 14 caps for the All Blacks, with his final New Zealand appearance coming in November 2022.
The powerful number eight qualifies for England through his mother and Fiji through his father, former Fiji international Waisake Sotutu.
He has since moved to Newcastle Red Bulls on a three-year deal, bringing him into English club rugby.
That makes Sotutu one of the most intriguing potential switches ahead of the next World Cup.
Akira Ioane – Samoa
Former All Blacks powerhouse Akira Ioane is another player with options.
The back-rower collected 21 caps for New Zealand but has not represented the country since November 2022.
Ioane can potentially represent Samoa through his family heritage and has now served the required stand-down period.
He could therefore return to Test rugby in a very different jersey before the 2027 World Cup.
Nepo Laulala – Samoa
Nepo Laulala would bring serious experience to Samoa.
The tighthead prop was born in Samoa but went on to win 53 caps for the All Blacks.
His final New Zealand appearances came during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
That puts Laulala on course to complete his three-year stand-down before the end of 2026, potentially making him available to Samoa ahead of Australia 2027.
Could we see more international switches?
World Rugby's eligibility rules have created a route for previously capped internationals to represent a second country.
Players must satisfy several conditions, including a stand-down period and a qualifying birthright connection to the second union.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, several former All Blacks could therefore find themselves back on the international stage – potentially even lining up against New Zealand.
