Former England player comes out of retirement to play them at World Cup

, Ribbans admitted that while he is eligible to switch nations, it is not something that sits comfortably with him.

World Rugby’s eligibility rules allow capped players to switch allegiance in certain circumstances, opening the door for a number of familiar names to represent another nation before next year’s tournament.

Here are five England players who could make the switch.

Although he never actually made an appearance for England, Ewers was called up to England's 2016 Six Nations squad.

He was a member of the Chiefs side that reached six consecutive Premiership finals, winning in 2017 and 2020, and won the European Champions Cup in 2020. He made 226 appearances for the Chiefs, and scored 40 tries.

Ewers could actually play against England, as the nation of his birth, Zimbabwe, are in the same pool as them.

In April, the retired No.8 linked up with the Zimbabwe on a trial, opening the door to a potential international comeback more than a decade after first being in the England setup.

The 35-year-old brought his professional career to a close at the end of last season after a brief spell with the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, seemingly drawing the curtain on a long and successful club journey.

In-form Montpellier player Vunipola could theoretically play for a nation that isn't England at the next World Cup.

The 33-year-old back-rower, who qualifies for England, Australia and Tonga, recently confirmed he would not switch allegiances to represent the Pacific Islanders despite strong speculation surrounding a potential move.

Vunipola said it “didn’t feel right” after earning 75 caps for England and admitted he would rather not block opportunities for younger Tongan players coming through the system.

While Tonga is now officially off the table, Australia could yet emerge as a shock possibility through his birthplace qualification.

Born in Australia to Tongan parents and raised largely in Wales during his younger years, Vunipola’s rugby journey has spanned multiple nations.

However, current World Rugby eligibility rules prevent him from representing Wales despite spending much of his childhood there.

In a twist of irony, England’s own rules on overseas-based players may have created the conditions for one of the most dramatic talent shifts the sport has seen.

The Toulouse back-rower last featured for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but since moving to France he has been frozen out of Test selection under RFU regulations. That absence could yet have major consequences.

Willis qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, and under World Rugby regulations would be eligible to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period from his last England appearance.

The player himself has previously played down the idea.

“I am quarter-Irish. My grandad is from Northern Ireland so he’s fully Irish,” Willis said. “But I’ve always grown up supporting England — my brother (Tom) the same.

“You’re always looking at possibilities because you want to play international rugby, but we see ourselves as English.”

Former England lock David Ribbans has become eligible to represent the Springboks under World Rugby’s updated eligibility regulations, but the South African-born forward has admitted the prospect of wearing the green and gold feels “strange” to him.

Born in Somerset West, South Africa, Ribbans came through the ranks at Western Province before moving to England in 2017 to join Northampton Saints.

His performances in the Premiership earned him five England caps under Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick, before he departed for Toulon following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Speaking to The Telegraph

“Would I consider it? You never say never with these things and South Africa was my home originally, but England has become my second home and I was super proud to play for them.

“I find it a bit strange when players play for two countries.”

Joe Marchant’s international future remains uncertain as he reaches a pivotal stage in his career.

The centre is approaching the end of the three-year stand down period that would allow him to represent another nation, while also preparing for a return to English club rugby.

This autumn will mark three years since his last England appearance. That means he will have completed the stand down period required by World Rugby, making him eligible to switch allegiance if he qualifies for another nation.

Although born in Winchester, Marchant is understood to have Welsh family heritage. If he meets the eligibility criteria and wanted to make the move, he could become an option at outside centre for Steve Tandy’s Wales.

Despite that possibility, Marchant made it clear when his Sale Sharks move was announced last November that his ambition remains with England.