Springboks sensation Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could have been wearing the England rose after former head coach Eddie Jones reportedly attempted to recruit him in 2022.
The talented fly-half has become one of South Africa's most exciting players, but his international career could have taken a very different direction.
Before making his Springboks debut, Feinberg-Mngomezulu was eligible to represent England through his father, Nick Feinberg, who was born in Britain.
And Jones was reportedly keen to bring the youngster into the England setup.
According to reports at the time, Jones even telephoned the Stormers prospect in October 2022 to discuss his international future.
Fortunately for Springboks supporters, Sacha had other ideas.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Rassie Erasmus responds to England interest
The reports certainly caught the attention of Rassie Erasmus.
Speaking in October 2022, the Springboks boss made it clear that South Africa would not beg players to represent them.
He insisted the decision belonged to Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who needed to demonstrate his desire to wear the famous green and gold jersey.
Erasmus also delivered a typically sharp response to Jones.
"I don't really care what Eddie has to say about it, it is about what Sacha says."
Why Sacha rejected the opportunity
For Feinberg-Mngomezulu, representing South Africa was always the dream.
Despite holding a British passport and attracting overseas interest, he wanted to establish himself with the Junior Springboks before pursuing senior international honours.
The decision certainly paid off.
He made his Springboks debut against Wales at Twickenham in June 2024 and quickly established himself as one of rugby's brightest attacking talents.
His remarkable rise reached another level in September 2025 when he scored 37 points against Argentina, breaking the South African record for points in a single Test.
Not bad for a player England once hoped to recruit.
And with the Springboks continuing to build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup, South African supporters will be delighted that their exciting playmaker decided to stay at home.
