LIST| 4 players from abroad who could be capped by England in the future

Foreign-born stars, such as Nathan Hughes and the Vunipola brothers, have already shown how integral they can be for the Red Rose after making the step up to International rugby.

Gloucester No. 8 Ruan Ackermann is keen to explore the option of playing for England should his time in the Aviva Premiership go well.

The back-rower sat in the home changing room at Twickenham for the first time on Saturday when he lined up for the Barbarians against the All Blacks. If things go according to plan for the back row, it might not be the last.

And, having arrived in the south-west on the eve of the new season, Ackermann could qualify for England on residency grounds in August 2020 -- just four months before World Rugby's new eligibility laws kick in.

The New Zealand‑born full-back who joined Gloucester from Bristol in the summer has already been included in an England training squad.

With Eddie Jones revealing he is looking for competition for Mike Brown at full-back, Woodward could find himself winning his first full cap at some point in the next twelve months.

GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Gerbrandt Grobler of Gloucester Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Gloucester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)[/caption]

Whether England would consider him as and when he becomes eligible remains to be seen but Grobler maintains an ambition to play at the highest level. “Obviously you wouldn’t turn it down [if Eddie Jones called]. I don’t think anyone would. You’ve got to have belief in yourself, otherwise why are you playing this game? You’ve got to have ambitions and goals but I’ll keep them to myself. There is always hope.”

The South African born Saracens flanker has already revealed he wants to be part of England’s bid for World Cup glory in 2019.

The 6ft 6ins flanker, who joined the club from the Cape Town-based Stormers, is one of the most effective forwards in European rugby, and will be eligible to represent England in six months time.

He was released from Eddie Jones squad to face South Africa this weekend but could still make his debut during the Autumn Internationals.