Former England number 8 handed Fiji call up ahead of Nations Championship

Two of the standout inclusions are former France wing Virimi Vakatawa and ex-England No.8 Nathan Hughes—both of whom are now in line to switch international allegiance to Fiji.

Under World Rugby’s birthright transfer regulations, players can represent a new nation if more than 36 months have passed since their last Test appearance. That criteria is met by both men.

Vakatawa, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Friday, scored 10 tries in 32 caps for France, with his last outing coming against Japan in July 2022. Hughes, currently at Racing 92, won 22 caps for England, most recently featuring during the 2019 Six Nations. He turns 35 in June.

A potential return to the Test arena would mark a remarkable chapter in Vakatawa’s career. The powerful centre was forced to step away from French rugby in September 2022 after being diagnosed with a cardiac condition deemed incompatible with elite-level sport.

However, following clearance from an independent medical panel, he reignited his career with Bristol Bears in the 2023/24 campaign and has since continued playing professionally, including with the Fijian Drua.

Fiji kick off their Nations Championship campaign against Wales at the Principality Stadium on July 4. They then face England at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11, before rounding out their fixtures against Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium on July 18.

Props: Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Livai Natave, Haereiti Hetet, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt, Vilikesa Nairau, Mesake Doge

Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Sam Matavesi

Locks: Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva, Joseva Tamani

Flankers: Lekima Tagitagivalu, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Kitione Salawa

No.8: Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato, Nathan Hughes

Half-backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye, Philip Baselala

Fly-halves: Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini

Outside backs: Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi

Inside backs: Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Isikeli Rabitu, Virimi Vakatawa, Iosefo Masi, Semi Radradra, Seta Tamanivalu, Sireli Maqala

Full-backs: Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu

Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa
The 34-year-old has won 60 England caps but would only be eligible for Samoa at the next World Cup. Tuilagi has admitted a switch would depend on whether he can still compete at the highest level.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg – South Africa to England
The Bristol Bears centre played for South Africa U20s but has never featured at senior level. After cutting ties with the Springboks, he could qualify for England via residency, subject to World Rugby approval.

David Ribbans – England to South Africa
The lock last played for England at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to switch next year. However, Ribbans has played down the idea, insisting his desire remains to represent England again.

Akira Ioane – New Zealand to Samoa
The 30-year-old has not played for New Zealand since 2022 and could follow his father by representing Samoa if he remains out of All Blacks contention.

Hoskins Sotutu – New Zealand to England or Fiji
Frozen out by the All Blacks since 2022, Sotutu can switch immediately. He qualifies for England through his mother but could also represent Fiji, following in his father’s footsteps.

Tyrone Green – South Africa to England
A former South Africa U20 standout, Green will be eligible for England from 2026. However, the Harlequins back has said he is in no rush to make a decision.

Nepo Laulala – New Zealand to Samoa
The prop last played for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup. Born in Samoa, Laulala could switch allegiances in late 2026.

Shannon Frizell – New Zealand to Tonga
Frizell last featured for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup and will be eligible to represent Tonga from October next year.

Folau Fakatava – New Zealand to Tonga
The Tongan-born scrum-half last played for New Zealand in 2022 and is eligible to switch to his country of birth ahead of the next World Cup.

Ngani Laumape – New Zealand to Tonga
Eligible since 2024, Laumape has openly stated his desire to represent Tonga after missing out on the 2023 World Cup.

Lalakai Foketi – Australia to New Zealand
The centre last played for Australia at the 2023 World Cup but could qualify for New Zealand in 2026. He is currently locked in a legal dispute with Rugby Australia.

Rhyno Smith – South Africa to Italy
Smith would need special dispensation after previous South Africa Sevens appearances, but the Benetton full-back has admitted he would welcome the chance to represent Italy after five years in the country.

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