Former Racing boss Stuart Lancaster confirms his son Dan will 'play against England'

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 11:01

byRugby Rucker

Dan Lancaster, son of former England head coach Stuart Lancaster, is set to join Glasgow Warriors following his departure from Racing 92 after just one season in the Top 14.

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Despite impressing in Paris, the young fly-half won’t be retained by the French heavyweights. Sources now indicate that Lancaster is Glasgow-bound for the 2025/26 campaign, with hopes of forcing his way into the Scotland setup thanks to his Scottish eligibility.

Racing 92 are undergoing a reshuffle at fly-half, and Lancaster’s exit has raised eyebrows—particularly given his consistent performances throughout the season.

Stuart Lancaster, who coached his son at Racing, said:

“Coaching Dan was no problem and he proved his quality to Racing. It'd be fair to say he was probably the lowest-paid player in the squad. He played the most games in the most pivotal position. They decided not to keep him, that's their choice. But he's been recognised by Glasgow to be a good player and with his Scottish qualification [through Lancaster's mother] hopefully pursue that route, which is good for him."

French publication L’Équipe previously noted:

“The number 10 issue is likely to become very sensitive for Racing… they’ll have to contend with the departure of Dan Lancaster, who had only signed for one season and will not be retained despite several solid performances.”

Now, with a move to Scotstoun on the cards, Lancaster will be aiming to shine in the URC and catch the eye of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend.

Six England players who could swap nations before the 2027 Rugby World Cup

With World Rugby’s eligibility laws allowing players to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, a number of familiar faces from England’s past and present could soon be wearing different colours on the international stage.

Here's a look at six England stars who could make a major international switch before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

?? Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa

The most high-profile name on this list, Manu Tuilagi, has long been the bulldozing presence in England's midfield. Born in Samoa, the 33-year-old is eligible to represent the Pacific Island nation after completing the three-year stand-down rule.

With his England career coming to an end last year and the next generation of centres taking over, Tuilagi could provide Samoa with a major boost in 2027 if he stays fit during his time in France.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 33
England caps: 60+
Club: Sale Sharks
Born in: Fogapoa, Samoa

?? Dan Kelly – England to Ireland

Dan Kelly has one cap for England, earned under Eddie Jones in 2021. However, because more than three years will have passed by the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and since he has Irish heritage through his Dublin-born mother, he would be eligible to switch to Ireland under World Rugby’s revised eligibility laws.

Ireland could be a serious option if his international pathway with England remains blocked.

Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 23
England caps: 0
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Irish mother

? Ollie Hassell-Collins – England to Wales

Having fallen out of favour with England after brief involvement under Borthwick, Ollie Hassell-Collins may look across the border for international redemption. Born in Reading but with Welsh heritage through his grandfather, the powerful winger could qualify for Wales by ancestry.

If he makes a move to a Welsh region in the next couple of years, the switch could become very real.

Bio:
Position: Wing
Age: 26
England caps: 2
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Welsh grandfather

??/?? Billy Vunipola – England to Tonga or Australia

Veteran number eight Billy Vunipola has been a central figure in English rugby for a decade, but with younger options like Ben Earl and Tom Willis rising, his time in white came to an end when he joined Montpellier last summer. The powerhouse was born in Australia and has Tongan heritage, meaning he’s eligible for either nation.

A return to family roots with Tonga or a move to the Wallabies would certainly shake things up ahead of 2027.

Bio:
Position: Number 8
Age: 32
England caps: 70+
Club: Saracens
Born in: Sydney, Australia
Eligible for: Tonga (ancestry), Australia (birth)

?? Mako Vunipola – England to Tonga

Like his younger brother Billy, Mako Vunipola is also eligible to switch to Tonga. The veteran prop, born in Wellington, New Zealand to Tongan parents, hasn’t featured for England since retiring following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

At 34, his international days may not be over just yet — especially with Tonga looking to add experience and grit to their forward pack.

Bio:
Position: Loosehead prop
Age: 34
England caps: 70+
Club: Saracens
Born in: Wellington, New Zealand
Eligible for: Tonga (parents)

?? Alex Lozowski – England to Italy

One of the most underrated utility backs in English rugby, Alex Lozowski qualifies for Italy through his father, former rugby league international Rob Lozowski. With Italy continuing to build their depth, the door could open for the Saracens star — especially with his England career stalled.

He’s already played for the Barbarians and would offer Italy experience, flair, and versatility.

Bio:
Position: Fly-half/Centre/Fullback
Age: 31
England caps: 5
Club: Saracens
Eligible through: Italian father

Final thoughts

With World Rugby's rules now opening the door to multi-national careers, don’t be surprised if a few of these stars show up in unfamiliar jerseys come 2027. Whether it's the pull of heritage, game time, or one last shot at the global stage — the future could be red, green, or gold for these former England internationals.

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