Samoa have taken advantage of World Rugby’s new eligibility laws by including former All Blacks Steven Luatua and Jeff Toomaga-Allen in their squad to tour Europe next month.
Luatua played 15 Tests for New Zealand up until his big-money move to Bristol Bears while Toomaga-Allen’s single cap came in 2013 before his move to Europe.
Another famous name who’d like to switch one day is Manu Tuilagi, who revealed he’d love to end his career by pulling on the famous blue jersey.
He is the younger brother of Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, all of whom are Samoan internationals and also played for Leicester.
His international career is likely to end later this year when he’s tipped depart Sale Sharks. It would be fantastic for the powerhouse to complete the family set.
The Islanders were unbeaten in the Pacific Nations Cup in July against Fiji, Tonga and Australia A.
Samoa face England, Japan, Argentina and Chile in the pool stage when the World Cup begins in September 2023.
Samoa squad:
Backs: Tomasi Alosio, Des Sepulona, Tumua Manu, Joe Perez, Duncan Paia’aua, Alapati Leiua, Nigel Ah Wong, Danny Toala, Stacey Ili, Ulupano Seuteni, Rodney Iona, D’Angelo Leuila, Ere Enari, Jonathan Taumateine.
Forwards: Fritz Lee, Talalelei Gray, Afaesetiti Amosa, Jordan Taufua, Steven Luatua, Taleni Seu, Theo McFarland, Brian Alainu’uese, Chris Vui, Michael Ala’alatoa, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Donald Brighouse, Nephi Leatigaga, Jordan Lay, Seilala Lam, Manu Leiataua, Luteru Toloi.
Five England stars who could still swap nations before the 2023 World Cup
#1. Nathan Hughes (England to Fiji)
- Age: 31
- 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
Hughes, who grew up in the sugar cane town of Lautoka on the west coast of the main Fijian island of Viti Levu, has. revealed that he has full support from the RFU to swap nations after moving to Japan.