Zach Mercer is eligible to swap nations, this could be interesting

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.

Mercer's choice to return from France and commit to Gloucester last summer was a clear signal of his eagerness to rejuvenate his Test career with the English national rugby team.

However, the relationship between head coach Steve Borthwick and Mercer has been less than perfect the last 12 months

Mercer said: “I’ve been open with Steve, I’ve told him my opinions on it. I thought I haven’t really been given a crack which is what I feel like, to not even be given a game to try and prove myself is tough.

“I just don’t feel like he values what I can offer as a player and that’s me being honest, I don’t think he values what I can bring.

“Obviously I don’t fit into the system that he wants to run and, whether I agree with that or not, it is what it is.

“My focus now is on Gloucester and England can take a step aside for the moment.”

“Zach and I had a conversation last week. We’ve had a number of conversations over the last couple of weeks with Zach since he’s come back from injury.

“We’ve highlighted areas where players have done well and the areas where they bring a point of difference. It’s a competitive arena.

“And [we highlight] areas where we want them to develop them and add to their game. That’s the same conversation I had with Zach.

“When I’m talking to a player, I’m basing it in objectivity. I’m basing it on targets for them to go after, and then we can shape a shared understanding of what we’re seeing.

“Granted, sometimes as a coach you want something specific in

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.

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.

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.

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.