Manu Tuilagi now set to play against England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 10:00

byRugby Rucker

Manu Tuilagi could be one of the biggest names to switch international allegiance under the updated World Rugby laws.

, he said:

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The changes allow players to represent a new nation if they haven’t played Test rugby for three years and have a birth, parent, or grandparent connection to that country.

Tuilagi, recently named in the Top 14 Team of the Season, has openly admitted a move could be on the cards. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph

“England is very special to me, of course, but my heart and home is still Samoa. I’d love to pull on the blue jersey one day.”

The centre has also signed a new contract with Bayonne until 2027, ruling out any return to England in the meantime.

Unlike his rugby-playing brothers Anitelea, Alesana, Henry, and Freddie — who all proudly represented Manu Samoa — Manu has remained the odd one out.

The Pacific Islanders became the final team to secure their place after seeing off Belgium yesterday.

Should he commit to the switch, Tuilagi would be eligible to feature for Samoa at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, though age is against him — he’ll be 35 by then.

2027 Rugby World Cup draw:

Predicted based on current rankings:

POOL A – “The Powerhouse Pool”

South Africa (Band 1)
Reigning giants of world rugby. Dominant set-piece, immense defence, and ruthless efficiency.

Australia (Band 2)
A proud rugby nation rebuilding with speed and energy. Dangerous even when inconsistent.

Japan (Band 3)
Fast, inventive, and fearless. Known for quick ball movement and tactical cleverness.

Tonga (Band 4)
Explosive and physical. Can trouble any side when their offloading game clicks.

Summary:

A bruising pool where South Africa and Australia enter as favourites, but Japan’s pace and Tonga’s power guarantee unpredictability. This could have a genuine upset or two.

POOL B – “The Pacific Showcase”

New Zealand (Band 1)
The All Blacks — unmatched flair, speed, and rugby IQ. Always title contenders.

Fiji (Band 2)
Electric footwork, immense power, and natural creativity. A nightmare matchup for any defence.

Spain (Band 3)
An improving side full of flair. Known for adventurous attacking rugby.

Portugal (Band 4)
Rapidly rising European underdogs with surprising resilience and strong fundamentals.

Summary:

New Zealand will be heavily favoured, but Fiji vs Spain could be one of the most entertaining games of the pool stage. Portugal are capable of troubling anyone.

POOL C – “The Northern Duel”

England (Band 1)
Structured, disciplined, and tactically sharp. Physically imposing across the park.

Scotland (Band 2)
Smart, spirited, and dangerous on the counter. A team with real giant-killing pedigree.

Uruguay (Band 3)
Tenacious, passionate, and technically improving. Not afraid to push Tier 1 teams.

Romania (Band 4)
Historic rugby nation known for strong forward play and gritty defence.

Summary:

England vs Scotland is a blockbuster rivalry clash. Uruguay and Romania bring real physicality, making this a hard-hitting pool with no easy points.

POOL D – “The Strategic Pool”

Ireland (Band 1)
Masters of structured play, precise phase work, and relentless pressure.

Italy (Band 2)
Much-improved, athletic, and attacking. Capable of stunning big opponents.

USA (Band 3)
Athletic, strong, and constantly evolving. Dangerous when momentum builds.

Hong Kong China (Band 4)
Developing nation eager to prove themselves on the world stage.

Summary:

Ireland are clear favourites, but Italy’s unpredictability creates tension. USA have upset potential, while Hong Kong China enter with nothing to lose.

POOL E – “The Physical Pool”

France (Band 1)
Inventive, unpredictable, and thrilling. A team of individual brilliance and collective power.

Georgia (Band 2)
The strongest scrummaging force outside Tier 1. Known for defensive toughness.

Samoa (Band 3)
Big, fast, and fearless. Excels in broken play and physical collisions.

Canada (Band 4)
Experienced, hard-working side looking to rebuild.

Summary:

France’s flair meets Georgia’s power and Samoa’s athletic chaos. A brutally physical pool where every match will be a grind. Canada will need discipline to compete.