England legend Lawrence Dallaglio almost swapped nations to play for Six Nations rival
Rugby NewsSunday, 06 April 2025 at 10:57
England legend Lawrence Dallaglio has revealed he came incredibly close to representing Italy instead of the Red Rose in what would have been one of the most unexpected international switches in rugby history.
During an interview with
Premier Sports TV, the World Cup winner was asked whether he had ever considered declaring for another nation—and his response was surprisingly candid.
Private jets, Milan apartments, and Italian persuasion
It all started in 1991, after Italy beat England at Under-19 level. With Dallaglio’s talents already drawing attention, the Italian Rugby Federation moved swiftly to recruit the promising back-rower—and they weren’t holding back.
“Yes, absolutely. The Italians were the first team to approach me,” Dallaglio revealed. “At under-19s in 1991, I was flown to Italy in a private jet with my Dad. I was offered a place at Milan University, a flat in the centre of Milan and a car.”
Even more shockingly, Dallaglio was offered a salary, despite the game still being strictly amateur at the time.
“I said, you're not allowed to pay people. The game is amateur. And they went, ‘Lawrence, this is Italy,’” he recalled. “My dad was very keen for me to sign.”
One game changed everything
Italy had done nearly everything right to secure his commitment, but a single match tipped the scales.
“I went to watch a game. David Campese was playing. And I don't think he touched the ball,” Dallaglio said. “It was an utter shambles. So I turned Italy down.”
And with that, Italian rugby missed out on a generational talent.
Dallaglio: England icon, World Cup winner
Born in London, Lawrence Dallaglio would go on to become one of England’s most decorated rugby players. He earned 85 caps for England between 1995 and 2007, and played a pivotal role in the side that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Known for his power, leadership, and versatility in the back row, Dallaglio also captained England and was a key figure at Wasps, where he won five Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups. He also toured three times with the British & Irish Lions, in 1997, 2001, and 2005.
A defining figure in the professional era of English rugby, Dallaglio’s decision to stick with England instead of joining Italy changed the course of rugby history.
Had things gone differently, Italy might have had a genuine world-class leader in their ranks. But for Dallaglio—and English rugby fans—it turned out to be the right call.
EDITORS PICKS:
Five Big Names Out of 2025 Lions Tour
The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour kicks off in Australia on July 19, with a three-Test series against the Wallabies. Andy Farrell’s squad will be without several big names due to injury, retirement, or club commitments.
1. Ollie Lawrence – Achilles injury ends Lions dream
England centre Ollie Lawrence was widely tipped to make Farrell’s Lions squad before suffering a devastating injury. The Bath star ruptured his left Achilles tendon just nine minutes into England’s 47-24 Six Nations win over Italy, ruling him out for up to a year.
A Premiership Player of the Season in 2023, Lawrence had become a key figure for Steve Borthwick’s England. His explosive running, defensive solidity, and hard-carrying ability made him a strong candidate for the tour. However, with the Lions series beginning in just over three months, his injury has ended any chance of selection.
Lawrence expressed his disappointment on social media: "Lost for words… That’s not how I imagined my season to end! The comeback is always greater than the setback."
Surprise Fact: Lawrence was once in Aston Villa’s football academy before choosing rugby.
2. Stuart Hogg - Won't be considered for selection
Despite making an impressive comeback with Montpellier in the Top 14 after reversing his retirement, off-field issues will rule him out of contention for selection by Lions head coach Andy Farrell, according to RUCK sources.
Surprise Fact: In a tweet, J. K. Rowling insinuated that Hogg was, in fact, a full-fledged Wizard
3. Dan Biggar – No third Lions tour
Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar ruled himself out of the 2025 Lions tour after retiring from international rugby in 2023. With 112 caps for Wales and two previous Lions tours (2017, 2021), he would have been a strong contender for Farrell’s squad. However, he’s enjoying his time in France with Toulon and has no plans to return.
Speaking to TalkSport, Biggar confirmed his decision: "That chapter has closed for me. When I retired from Wales, I thought I might miss it, but I haven’t. I’m really enjoying life in France and the media work I’m doing. If I had stepped away from Wales and missed it, things might have been different. But I feel it was the right time to move on."
Biggar remains a key player for Toulon, where his leadership and tactical kicking continue to impress.
Surprise Fact: Biggar’s pre-kick routine, the ‘Biggar Shuffle,’ was inspired by Elvis Presley.
4. Zach Mercer – Injury and club switch
England No. 8 Zach Mercer will miss the Lions tour after being ruled out for the season with a knee injury. Gloucester confirmed in December that Mercer, who had an outside shot at selection despite being overlooked by England, won’t return this season.
Once named Top 14 Player of the Year with Montpellier, Mercer returned to England in 2023 to chase a World Cup spot but was ignored by Steve Borthwick. Now, Toulon are prepared to buy out his Gloucester contract, meaning Mercer could soon be back in French rugby.
Despite his injury, Mercer was voted Gloucester’s Player of the Year in his debut season, proving his popularity with fans.
Surprise Fact: Mercer captained England U20s to victory in the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship, beating New Zealand in the semi-finals.
5. Joe Marler – Retirement closes Lions chapter
Veteran prop Joe Marler was a bookies’ favourite to make the 2025 Lions tour, but his international retirement has ended any hopes of a call-up. The 90-cap England loosehead announced his Test retirement after the 2024 Six Nations, confirming he won’t be available for selection.
A dominant scrummager and larger-than-life character, Marler was part of England’s 2019 Rugby World Cup final squad and remained in contention for Steve Borthwick’s team until recently. After missing out on the 2017 and 2021 Lions tours, this was likely his last chance to wear the famous red jersey.
Despite his absence, Marler remains a key figure at Harlequins, where his experience and set-piece prowess continue to be invaluable.
Surprise Fact: Marler once dyed his hair bright blue to raise awareness for mental health charities, showing his commitment to supporting mental well-being in rugby.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading