REPORTS | Japan set to be replaced in upcoming 'eight nations'

Thursday, 27 August 2020 at 19:21

bySteven Smith

Georgia are reportedly in talks to join the the so-called Eight Nations tournament this autumn following Japan's withdrawal.

They have won the Rugby Europe Championship in eight of the last nine seasons and they currently sit above Italy in the World Rugby rankings.

Members unions of the Six Nations plus Japan and Fiji were set to form the teams for the competition, which is set to run between November and December.

But the JRFU have faced a number of dilemmas in recent weeks after the country’s government reintroduced travel restrictions in light of a spike in COVID-19 cases last month.

That has affected many of the team’s coaches who are based overseas from joining up with the squad to prepare to the Eight Nations, and led to the JRFU pulling out according to

Kyodo News

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6 players who could have played for other countries but didn’t

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Here are five of the biggest stars who could have played for England, but didn’t.

1. James Haskell - Wales

The hulking England forward opened up about his Welsh heritage to BBC Wales

2. Michael Hooper - England

He would have qualified to Play for England through his father, who was born and raised in Kent. Considered one of the world’s best flankers, the 99-cap flanker hit international headlines as he mastered the field alongside revered teammate David Pocock on the Rugby World Cup stage in 2015.

3. Jonathan Davies - England

A key man on two successful Lions tours, the leader of the Welsh back-line, and at the heart of the Scarlets revival. If there’s a player who can cut better lines than Davies then I’m yet to see him. Born in Solihull, arguably the best centre in the world could have played for England.

4. Martin Johnson - New Zealand

In 1989 he was approached by former All Black Colin Meads to try out for the King Country side in New Zealand. In 1990 he was even selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia playing a side that included another of the all-time great lock forwards, John Eales. He eventually returned to England and thankfully represented them instead of the All Blacks.

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5. Hamish Watson - England

One of the most consistent back-rowers in the Six Nations, Watson has accumulated 32 caps since making his Scotland debut in 2015. The flanker was actually born in Manchester, making him eligible to play for England.

6. Dan Carter -Ireland

The 33-year-old has revealed in his newest book that if things were different, he may very well have played for the green of Ireland, rather than his native country. And it's all down to some undisclosed Irish blood on his father's side.