Four players who could switch allegiances to England ahead of the 2027 World Cup

This could provide a timely boost for Steve Borthwick following a disappointing Six Nations campaign, strengthening both squad depth and internal competition.

A 2021 change to World Rugby regulations allows players to switch international allegiance once, opening the door for greater representation across nations at major tournaments.

Under the rules, players can represent a new country after a three-year stand-down period. They must either have been born in that country or have a parent or grandparent born there. Qualification through residency is also possible, although the required period was extended from three years to five in 2022.

According to the updated Regulation 8, each player is allowed only one international switch, and every case must be approved by the World Rugby Regulations Committee to ensure the process remains fair.

Green impressed at under-20 level for South Africa but is eligible to switch to England as early as this year. In 2024, the 28-year-old said he was not rushing into a decision, choosing instead to focus on his club, Harlequins.

He explained that he would address the situation when the time comes, but for now his priority is success at club level.

England’s ongoing uncertainty at fullback could create an opportunity, as no player has firmly secured the position.

The Bristol Bears centre, now 29, featured for South Africa U20s in 2016. As that team was considered a capture side at the time, he had to formally apply to World Rugby to break his ties.

Despite qualifying through residency, Janse van Rensburg’s international future was initially blocked because he had appeared for South Africa’s Under-20 side, which at the time was designated as the country’s second national team.

However, England successfully appealed to World Rugby, with Borthwick pushing the case, clearing the path for the centre to represent England once he completes the residency requirement.

Sotutu has not featured for New Zealand since 2022 and is no longer a regular selection. As a result, he is immediately eligible to switch nations.

He has the option of representing either England or Fiji. He qualifies for England through his mother, while Fiji is an alternative through family heritage.

His upcoming move to Newcastle suggests a preference for England, and he qualifies once he joins the club, potentially making him available for the summer internationals.

Newcastle have signed the experienced prop on a two-year deal starting after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, citing him as being English-qualified in their announcement.

The 28-year-old has represented the Maori All Blacks and an All Blacks XV but has not played a full Test for New Zealand. Capable of playing on both sides of the scrum, he has made over 50 appearances for the Hurricanes.

He made his mark at under-20 level, scoring in New Zealand’s 64–17 win over England in the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship final. He later featured for the All Blacks XV on their 2022 northern tour, facing sides such as the Barbarians and Ireland A.