5 England internationals who could still swap nations, including Danny Cipriani

Friday, 10 March 2023 at 20:52

byRugby Rucker

The latest eligibility laws by World Rugby have created a possibility for several renowned England players to represent a different country from their initial capped one, both in the present and upcoming years.

These new regulations state that players can meet the transfer qualification criteria by abstaining from Test rugby for three years and being either born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent who was born there.

Although some players are more likely to do so than others, here we discuss five players who could potentially switch.

#1. ALEX LOZOWSKI - TO ITALY

Number of caps: 5

Lozowski, who has an Italian grandmother, could take advantage of the new World Rugby rules surrounding eligibility.

The Saracens star, who won the last of his six England caps in 2018, could swap with immediate effect following the rule change and has been approached by Italy boss Kieran Crowley.

He's also been in contact with Italian qualified speedsters Louis Lynagh and Paulo Odogowu, who are both currently uncapped.

“I have been in contact. I haven’t personally been in contact with Paolo but he has been contacted,” Crowley said at the Six Nations launch.

“The other two [Lozowski and Lynagh] I have spoken to personally. They have made decisions at the moment that I respect. I support them. I’ll keep in contact with them. But certainly if they were available, we’d certainly be looking at them. They are all quality players.

“We will keep the lines of communication open. Not only with those three but there are a number of others as well.”

Pablo Matera of Argentina on the break slipping the tackle from Sam Underhill of England Rugby and then tackled by Alex Lozowski of England Rugby during the International Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England v Argentina on 11th November 2017 at Twickenham Stadium, London, England (Photo:Phil Mingo/PPAUK),

#2. WILLI HEINZ - TO NEW ZEALAND

Number of caps: 13

The scrum-half, who represented England at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, returned to his native New Zealand after departing Worcester Warriors.

Signing with the Crusaders for the 2023 Super Rugby season, he has every chance of impressing, and is eligible for a call-up in the summer having not played for England in March 2020.

Heinz played for and captained Canterbury in New Zealand’s ITM Cup and also played for Christchurch-based Crusaders in Super Rugby before he joined Gloucester ahead of the 2015/16.

Having qualified to play for England, Heinz won 13 caps between 2019 and 2020 and played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Willi Heinz of England takes part in a training session during England Rugby Media Access at Pennyhill Park Hotel on August 23, 2019, Bagshot, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK)

#3. DANNY CIPRIANI - TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Number of caps: 16

Reports overseas suggest Trinidad and Tobago want the playmaker to don their red jersey during the Rugby Americas North Championship.

It’s suggested that the switch could be funded by World Rugby, who are looking to encourage former elite rugby players to represent third tier nations to help raise the sports profile in that country.

The 34-year-old’s father is Afro-Trinidadian with some Italian heritage while his mother is English. They’re currently ranked 53rd in the world.

Danny Cipriani of England during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#4. NATHAN HUGHES - TO FIJI

Number of caps: 22

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.

Gallagher Man of the Match Nathan Hughes of Bath Rugby on his Bath Rugby debut during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Harlequins at the Recreation Ground on 28 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK