We take a look at five players you might no know represented both England and Wales ahead of this weekend’s heavyweight Six Nations clash in Cardiff.
The game, which will see a number of players who have played for both feature, has a history of players swapping nations.
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ENGLAND AND WALES:
1. Harry Randall
Grew up in the Amman Valley and captained Wales U16s but was born in Slough and switched allegiance to the land of his birth, playing for England U20s.
The 22-year-old scrum-half made 17 Premiership appearances last season for Bristol Bears, having joined from Gloucester, and won his first call-up to the England squad for the 2021 Six Nations before being ruled out with injury..
2. Stuart Barnes
Although born in Essex, he was to captain Wales Schools. Such was his speed and talent, he made the leap from the U15s to the U19s after one season, and became an ever-present (he didn't miss a schools international for four years between 1976 & 1980), also captaining the team on several occasions.
However, Barnes made his England debut against Australia in November 1984. He gained ten caps for England and played his last international match in 1993 against Ireland.
DID YOU KNOW? He graduated from Oxford University with a third-class honours degree in history
3 &4. Billy and Mako Vunipola
Prop Mako Vunipola, far-right in the back row, and number 8 Billy, fourth right, played for East Wales schools alongside Wales’s Taulupe Faletau.
However, after attending English schools and signing with Premiership teams, they made the switch to represent England. Billy even once admitted he wanted Australia to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
DID YOU KNOW? Mako was born in New Zealand while Billy was born inAustralia
5. Ross Moriarty
The hulking back-rower, whose father is former Wales international Paul Moriarty, initially played for England at both U18 and U20 level, winning the IRB Junior World Championship in 2014.
However, he has since made his full international debut for Wales and has since won 44 caps while also representing the British & Irish Lions during their tour of New Zealand in 2017.
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