Manu Tuilagi set to swap nations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup

, the youngest Tuilagi revealed that while “England is very special to me, of course, but my heart and home is still Samoa.”

The updated laws allow players to change allegiance if they haven’t played Test rugby for three years and have a birth, parent, or grandparent link to their new nation.

Tuilagi, recently named in the Top 14 Team of the Season, has admitted he could realistically make the move.

In an extensive interview with The Daily Telegraph

“I’d love to pull on the blue jersey one day,” he added.

Manu is the odd one out in his rugby-playing family, with brothers Anitelea, Alesana, Henry and Freddie all opting to play for Manu Samoa rather than the European nations they lived in during their careers.

If he sticks to his plan, Tuilagi could be available for Samoa at the 2027 Rugby World Cup — although time isn’t on his side, as he would be 35 by then.

The 2022 list, compiled by Pundit Arena, examines players who may have been more unlucky than lacking ability, while others arguably had no place in a British & Irish Lions jersey.

Read on to find out which names feature among the Lions' most forgettable selections.

PA: " 2013 and 2017 went badly for the Scot. The Lions stuck by Hogg for the second Test in 2021 but was shaky under the high-ball and had no chance to shine in attack ."

RUCK: Just doesn't seem to work out for Hoggy in the Lions with the harder he tries the tougher it gets

VERDICT: Justified

PA: "Choosing to select an enormous 44-man squad, Clive Woodward made several left field selections. None more so than a Sale Sharks hooker with only two caps for England. His technical and physical skills were not good enough for the Lions."

RUCK: He shouldn't have been near that squad

VERDICT: Justified

By his lofty standards, James Lowe endured a mixed tour that never quite hit the heights expected.

There were flashes of brilliance — most notably in the second Test, where his sharp play set up Tadhg Beirne for a pivotal score, building on two assists against the Western Force and a try versus the Brumbies.

Lowe was red-hot at times, producing moments of magic that swung games in his team’s favour. Yet, the sparkle was dimmed by costly lapses.

Suspect in defence and wasteful in the first Test, his inconsistency ultimately proved decisive, leading to his omission from the final matchday squad in Sydney.

"Whilst not selected for the Test team, the London Irish man must be considered one of the strangest call-ups in Lions history, joining the squad while on holiday with his family in 2013. He made no real impact to the trip but held up the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels."

PA: "Another bizarre call-up on the 2013 tour, the inside centre was brought in due to the glut of injuries sustained in the midfield. Now stranded in the international wilderness, one must assume he was fetched due to the convenience of him playing for England in Argentina."

RUCK: It may be easy to forget, but Twelvetrees was one of the most exciting talents in Europe when he was called up. He'd impressed for England in his four caps, and looked set for a bright international future. This pick feels more deemed on the use of hindsight.

VERDICT: Bit harsh

"First capped in 1984, he only represented England ten times, frequently criticised for his inability to convert his magnificent form for Bath onto the international stage.

"Ultimately after a torrid tour, losing six of 13 matches played, Barnes served as a perfect microcosm for its inadequate results in 1993, just not good enough."

RUCK: I wasn't born

Verdict: Up to you