Former England winger Paolo Odogwu named in World Cup squad

Although Odogwu, who is now 26 years old, was initially chosen as part of England's 28-man squad for the 2021 Six Nations, he did not manage to make an appearance during the tournament.

In anticipation of the upcoming World Cup, Odogwu opted to represent Italy, and he made his debut for the team on August 5th against Ireland.

The team's star full-back, Ange Capuozzo, has also been included in the squad. Capuozzo made a remarkable return to the team on the previous Saturday, marking his first appearance since February. His presence was notably felt as Italy secured a convincing 57-7 victory over Romania.

Having earned the title of World Rugby's breakthrough player of the year in 2022, Capuozzo is a standout performer for Italy. This accolade further underlines his importance as Italy prepares to compete in the World Cup held in France.

Michele Lamaro, a skilled flanker, has been entrusted with the captaincy of the team. The squad boasts an average age of 26, with a total of 24 players experiencing their first World Cup participation.

Forwards: Ceccarelli, Ferrari, Fischetti, Nemer, Riccioni, Zani, Bigi, Faiva, Nicotera, N Cannone, Lamb, Ruzza, Sisi, L Cannone, Halafihi, Lamaro (capt), Negri, Pettinelli, Zuliani.

Backs: Fusco, A Garbisi, Page-Relo, Varney, Allan, Da Re, P Garbisi, Brex, Morisi, Bruno, Odogwu, Ioane, Capuozzo, Pani.

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

The Bath back-rower, originally hailing from Dayton, Ohio, possesses the potential to represent the United States due to his place of birth.

Following a temporary absence from the England national team, he could become eligible to join the USA squad.

According to the stipulations, a three-year period of ineligibility would be imposed after his final international appearance for England, which occurred during a match against Tonga in November 2021.

Consequently, he would be able to don the Eagles jersey starting from November 2024.

The USA's recent failure to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup necessitates any available assistance, and his inclusion would provide valuable support to the team.

During his childhood, his father Greg was stationed in Dayton with the RAF, yet the family relocated to Gloucester when he was approximately ten years old.

Considering his last appearance for England in 2022, he would have to wait until 2025 to represent the Eagles, coinciding with his age of just 30.

In an extensive interview with The Daily Telegraph, the youngest Tuilagi revealed that while “England is very special to me, of course, but my heart and home is still Samoa.”

Manu, who is named after the Samoan national side, is the odd one out of his rugby-playing brothers, as Anitelea, Alesana, Henry and Freddie all opted to play for Manu Samoa rather than any of the European nations they spent time living in throughout their professional careers.

Correct at the time of writing, Tuilagi could be available for Samoa in 2025, though time isn't on his side as he would be 33 by then.

The 29-year-old, born in Sydney in 1992, would be free to play for the Aussies when he completes his three-years stand down from international rugby.

Winning 61 caps since making his debut in 2013, reports down under suggested Aussie chiefs wanted to make contact with the powerhouse about a potential swap prior to his recall last Autumn.

Tonga, who Billy’s Dad Fe’ao played for in the 1990s, also remain keen on the Saracens star.

Despite being born in Scotland, he grew up on the Isle of Man and so was eligible to play for both England and Scotland. 

Although he's been a regular member of squads in recent times, Rodd has still only won two caps with his latest coming in 2021.

Therefore, Rodd could be available for Scotland as early as 2024 unless Borthwick caps the exciting loosened again.

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.”