"Big money offer" - Scotland want FOUR players to swap nations for the Rugby World Cup
Rugby NewsWednesday, 15 March 2023 at 09:48
We take a look at four rugby union players who could swap nations to represent Scotland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Nobody has more players born overseas in the Six Nations than the Scots, with 21 of their current squad hailing from other countries.
This method of talent spotting has helped Gregor Townsend transform his squad from fodder into genuine title contenders.
He's also not done, with five more players linked with changing their allegiances prior to the fast approaching 2023 Rugby World Cup.
#1. Mosese Tuipulotu
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the uncapped Waratahs centre commitment to Australia will be tested by an offer from Scotland worth almost three times his current salary.
The Melbourne-born younger brother of Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu, Tuipulotu, has been selected to make his senior debut this week and will be on the bench to play against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.
This is yet another indication of the challenge Australia is encountering in holding onto its top talent, as there are reports circulating within Scottish rugby circles that the Scotland Rugby Union is interested in signing the 21-year-old on a multi-year contract worth up to $225,000 (£125,000) annually.
#2. John Cooney
Age: 32
Position: Scrum-half
Honours: Ireland (11 caps), Emerging Ireland, Ireland U20
The former Connacht ace has not played for Ireland in three years — and can move under World Rugby’s new eligibility rules.
His father, John Cooney senior, who was born in Blantyre in South Lanarkshire, , was a journalist who worked for the
Glasgow Herald before becoming European correspondent, and later religious affairs correspondent, for The Irish Times
Players can switch nations if they have been stood down from international rugby for three years and they, or a parent or grandparent, were born in the country they wish to represent.
DID YOU KNOW? He is the first player to play over 20 games for three different Irish province (Connacht, Leinster, Ulster)
#3. Fin Smith
Age: 20
Position: Fly-half
Honours: England U20
“I have chatted to Fin Smith on three occasions now since the Six Nations and have chatted to other players who are dual qualified that have not made our squad,” said Townsend.
“He is definitely a player we think very highly of.
“He has played a lot of rugby at a young age and just turned 20 a few weeks ago. It was great to get to know the person as well. He has close links with my old club, his grandad played for Gala and the Lions and his mum is from a village three miles from Gala.
“It has been good to get that connection and see how his game is progressing. I thought one of his best games was at the weekend when he played Bath.
“I went down to watch the Premiership final against London Irish so yeah, he is progressing but we didn’t feel this tour is the right time for him and obviously he would have to make a commitment between us and England.”
#4. Ben Healy
Age: 23
Position: Fly-half
Honours: Ireland U20
Healy will join Edinburgh this summer on a two-year deal.
The 23-year-old represented Ireland at under-20 level but qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents.
Healy has featured for the Irish province since 2019, amassing 275 points from 47 appearances.
"It's clear how much they want to play. I'm looking forward to putting myself into a new environment and seeing how I go," Healy told Edinburgh's website.
"I'd like to thank everyone at Munster for their support over the last few seasons. I've loved every minute of my time playing with the club, but I felt now was the right time to take on a new and exciting challenge in Edinburgh."
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