Former Scotland winger Byron McGuigan has confirmed he will be going to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a new country.
The 10=cap winger now hopes to be a key member of Namibia’s squad at this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
McGuigan will join Bath wing Ruaridh McConnochie, who has been capped by England and selected for Scotland's Six Nations squad, as well as former Wallabies backrower Jack Dempsey, who made his Scotland debut in the Autumn tests.
“This change came about through Chrysander Botha who I used to play with at Exeter Chiefs who is now part of Namibia’s coaching team," McGuigan told Rugby Pass.
"We were room mates at Exeter and got on really well. The law change on eligibility then happened and Josh Beaumont (Sale lock) told me about it and so I was in touch with Chrysander and this February is three years since I last played for Scotland.
“I am just making sure by going back to get my passport that all is well and I am up for selection for the World Cup. My last game for Scotland was against Italy and it would be special to play in the opening World Cup game for Namibia against Italy.
"My Mum is Scottish and I am very proud to have played for Scotland but I have very strong roots in Namibia and over the years the country has lost a lot of rugby talent with guys pursuing rugby opportunities in South Africa. I want to go back and help the country I was born in.
“I go back once a year to Namibia and South Africa because half my family is in Namibia with aunts and uncles and the other half in South Africa. I am flying to Namibia after Sale play Bath on Saturday to get my passport sorted out and Alex Sanderson (Sale director of rugby) has given me 10 days off to meet with the guys in Namibia which is great because he didn’t need to do that. Alex has come in and done a fantastic job at the club."
15 players who could still swap nations for World Cup as prop swaps South Africa for Wales
Steve Luatua – New Zealand to Samoa
Man of the Match, Steven Luatua of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Harlequins at Ashton Gate, Bristol, on 8 March 2020. PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Alex Lozowski – England to Italy
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),
John Cooney – Ireland to Scotland
Julian Savea – New Zealand to Samoa
Paolo Odogwu - England to Italy
Morgan Parra – France to Portugal
Morgan Parra Of ASM Clermont Auvergne - Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 02/05/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL - ASM Clermont Auvergne v RC Toulon - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow – New Zealand to Australia
Nathan Hughes – England to Fiji
Gallagher Man of the Match Nathan Hughes of Bath Rugby on his Bath Rugby debut during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Harlequins at the Recreation Ground on 28 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Sergio Parisse – Italy to Argentina
They wrote: "Another unlikely switch but one that is still possible, as Parisse could represent the country he was born in despite playing 142 times for Italy.
"The 39-year-old still represents Toulon in the Top 14 and last played for the Azzurri during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He has put his retirement on hold to play one more time for Italy, but his plan has been thwarted several times."
Lima Sopoaga – New Zealand to Samoa
Louis Lynagh - England to Australia/Italy
Zach Mercer – England to Scotland/New Zealand
Zach Mercer of England goes over for a try during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Byron McGuigan – Scotland to Namibia
Alec Hepburn – England to Australia
Taqele Naiyaravoro – Australia to Fiji
Northampton Saints player Taqele Naiyaravoro attacking during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Northampton Saints and Bath Rugby at Franklins Gardens, Northampton on Feb 28 - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
Henry Speight – Australia to Fiji
Tevita Kuridrani – Australia to Fiji
Tevita Kuridrani of Australia in action against Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand - Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 31/10/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 FINAL - New Zealand v Australia - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.
Denny Solomona – England to Samoa
George Moala – New Zealand to Tonga
