England back-row Sam Underhill has become the center of attention for French Top 14 heavyweights Racing 92 and Bordeaux, who have set their sights on luring him away from his current club, Bath, with a prospective move next summer.
At the age of 27, Underhill, originally born in the United States, made the transition to Bath in 2017 after leaving Gloucester, leaving a lasting impression with the Ospreys in the Pro 12. Since then, he has notched up an impressive 79 appearances in the rugby arena.
While initially omitted from Steve Borthwick's World Cup squad, Underhill received a surprise call-up when Jack Willis suffered a neck injury during England's triumph over Chile.
According to The Rugby Paper, both Racing 92 and Bordeaux are actively seeking a robust back-row player known for their defensive prowess, a description that perfectly aligns with Underhill's skill set. However, it's important to note that a potential move to France would render him ineligible for selection by Borthwick for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, there's speculation that another prominent player who might be in the final season at The Rec is England's tight-head prop, Will Stuart, who has piqued the interest of Gloucester, their fierce rivals in the West Country.
Sam Underhill could now swap nations for next Rugby World Cup
Although some players are more likely to do so than others, here we discuss five players who could potentially switch.
Get your tickets for the 2024 Six Nations at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace.
#1. Sam Underhill to USA
The Bath back-rower, originally hailing from Dayton, Ohio, possesses the potential to represent the United States due to his place of birth.
Following a temporary absence from the England national team, he could become eligible to join the USA squad.
According to the stipulations, a three-year period of ineligibility would be imposed after his final international appearance for England, which occurred during a match against Tonga in November 2021.
Consequently, he would be able to don the Eagles jersey starting from November 2024.
The USA's recent failure to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup necessitates any available assistance, and his inclusion would provide valuable support to the team.
During his childhood, his father Greg was stationed in Dayton with the RAF, yet the family relocated to Gloucester when he was approximately ten years old.
Considering his last appearance for England in 2022, he would have to wait until 2025 to represent the Eagles, coinciding with his age of just 30.
Sam Underhill of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Manu Tuilagi to Samoa
In an extensive interview with The Daily Telegraph, the youngest Tuilagi revealed that while “England is very special to me, of course, but my heart and home is still Samoa.”
Manu, who is named after the Samoan national side, is the odd one out of his rugby-playing brothers, as Anitelea, Alesana, Henry and Freddie all opted to play for Manu Samoa rather than any of the European nations they spent time living in throughout their professional careers.
Correct at the time of writing, Tuilagi could be available for Samoa in 2025, though time isn't on his side as he would be 33 by then.
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#3. Billy Vunipola to Tonga or Australia
The 29-year-old, born in Sydney in 1992, would be free to play for the Aussies when he completes his three-years stand down from international rugby.
Winning 61 caps since making his debut in 2013, reports down under suggested Aussie chiefs wanted to make contact with the powerhouse about a potential swap prior to his recall last Autumn.
Tonga, who Billy’s Dad Fe’ao played for in the 1990s, also remain keen on the Saracens star.
Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
#4. Bevan Rodd to Scotland
Despite being born in Scotland, he grew up on the Isle of Man and so was eligible to play for both England and Scotland.
Although he's been a regular member of squads in recent times, Rodd has still only won two caps with his latest coming in 2021.
Therefore, Rodd could be available for Scotland as early as 2024 unless Borthwick caps the exciting loosened again.
Bevan Rodd of England is tackled during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#5. Alex Lozowski to Italy
Lozowski, who has an Italian grandmother, could take advantage of the new World Rugby rules surrounding eligibility.
The Saracens star, who won the last of his six England caps in 2018, could swap with immediate effect following the rule change and has been approached by Italy boss Kieran Crowley.
Pablo Matera of Argentina on the break slipping the tackle from Sam Underhill of England Rugby and then tackled by Alex Lozowski of England Rugby during the International Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England v Argentina on 11th November 2017 at Twickenham Stadium, London, England (Photo:Phil Mingo/PPAUK),
He's also been in contact with Italian qualified speedsters Louis Lynagh and Paulo Odogowu, who are both currently uncapped.
“I have been in contact. I haven’t personally been in contact with Paolo but he has been contacted,” Crowley said at the Six Nations launch.
“The other two [Lozowski and Lynagh] I have spoken to personally. They have made decisions at the moment that I respect. I support them. I’ll keep in contact with them. But certainly if they were available, we’d certainly be looking at them. They are all quality players.
“We will keep the lines of communication open. Not only with those three but there are a number of others as well.”
