Despite being handed a six-figure fine this week for salary cap breaches, Leicester Tigers are closing in on the signing of London Irish centre Phil Cokanasiga according to RUCK sources.
The brother of England international and Bath winger Joe, he made his Exiles' European and Premiership debut in the 2019/20 season.
The 20-year-old centre also made appearances in the Premiership Rugby 7s competition at the beginning of the 2019/20 season.
Cokanasiga took his appearance tally for London Irish into double figures during the 2020/21 season and was called up to the England U20 squad for the U20 Six Nations Championships during the summer of 2021.
EDITORS PICKS:
- England Rugby games confirmed for Sky Sports
- Charlie Ewels BANNED after 82 second red card
- “Embarrassing” – Four of the biggest Six Nations flops
- Leicester Tigers fined six-figures for salary cap breaches
- Eddie Jones Responds To Calls To Resign
Another England international wants to swap nations
#1. Alex Lozowski (England to Italy)
- Age: 28
- Position: Fly-half, Centre, Wing, Fullback
- Current number of caps: 5
- Last cap: November, 2018
- Did you know? Lozowski is the son of Rob Lozowski and was a sporting allrounder in his teenage years, playing not only rugby for the Wasps academy but also football for the Chelsea academy
He is reportedly still holding out hope of adding to his five England caps despite no recent soundings from coach Eddie Jones. The Mail Online have reported that Italy have not been in contact with 28-year-old, although we doubt it will be long until they do.
Akihito Yamada of Japan is tackled by Alex Lozowski of England during the Quilter International Match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 17th November 2018. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK]
#2. Denny Solomona (England to Fiji)
- Age: 28
- Position: Winger
- Current number of caps: 5
- Last cap: June, 2018
- Did you know? Solomona feels that meeting senior players can be important for the motivation and development of school age players.
After leaving Sale Sharks, Solomona has revealed that theRFU are in full support of him representing Fiji in the future.
#3. Zach Mercer (England to New Zealand)
- Age: 24
- Position: Number 8
- Current number of caps: 2
- Last cap: November, 2018
- Did you know? His father is former rugby league footballer and coach Gary Mercer, who played for New Zealand and the New Zealand Māori rugby league team
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
#4. Nathan Hughes (England to Fiji)
- Age: 30
- Position: Number 8
- Current number of caps: 20
- Last cap: March, 2019
- Did you know? His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby
Try Celebrations for Nathan Hughes of Bristol Bears of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on 1 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#5. Semesa Rokoduguni (England to Fiji)
- Age: 34
- Position: Winger
- Current number of caps: 4
- Last cap: November, 2017
- Did you know? Rokoduguni is a sniper of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in the British Army
