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.”
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