The latest eligibility laws by World Rugby have created a possibility for several renowned England players to represent a different country from their initial capped one, both in the present and upcoming years.
These new regulations state that players can meet the transfer qualification criteria by abstaining from Test rugby for three years and being either born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent who was born there.
Although some players are more likely to do so than others, here we discuss five players who could potentially switch.
#1. Zach Mercer to New Zealand
Mercer's choice to return from France and commit to Gloucester prior to the 2023/24 Premiership season is a clear signal of his eagerness to rejuvenate his Test career with the English national rugby team.
Nonetheless, it's noteworthy that the versatile number eight holds the option to switch his allegiance to New Zealand.
This possibility arises due to his eligibility for the All Blacks, facilitated by his father's illustrious rugby league career that encompassed 21 Test appearances for the New Zealand team.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#5. 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.
