16 Rugby stars who MIGHT swap countries for the 2019 Rugby World Cup
Rugby NewsFriday, 08 December 2017 at 10:33
After the success of Tonga and Fiji at the recent Rugby League World Cup, there are calls for World Rugby to loosen eligibility rules, allowing capped players to return for tier-two nations.
Charles Piutau has told the Daily Mail that administrators need to match the laws used by their rugby league counterparts.
Is Union heading down the same path as league, with Tier one international players now set to turn out for Tier two teams? And which star players could switch allegiances? RUCK.co.uk takes a look.
RUCK POLL
1. Charles Piutau
The Bristol-bound outside back could easily be regarded as the most talented players to have come through the ranks in New Zealand rugby, only to go on to slip through the cracks and head to Northern Ireland. He would surely be too irresistible of an option for Tonga to let slide by.
2. Semesa Rokoduguni
The fijian flier has struggled to become a regular under Eddie Jones, making his best shot at going to a World Cup perhaps with the country of his birth, Fiji. A world-class try-scorer, Rokoduguni deserves the chance to show off his talents on the world stage.
3. Malakai Fekitoa
Having exiled himself from All Black selection by joining European giants Toulon, the rampaging centre could be a key player in the Tonga team if allowed. He was not initially selected for the All Blacks in 2017 for the British and Irish Lions Tour but was called up for the third test match after Sonny Bill Williams got sent off.
4. Tendai Mtawarira
More popularly known as ‘The Beast’, Mtawarira was born in August 1985 in Harare, Zimbabwe. And with Zimbabwe this week revealing their plans to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, having Mtawarira among their ranks would be a major boost.
5. Victor Vito
The former All Black loose forward won Top 14 Player of the Year for his efforts during the 2016/17 campaign for La Rochelle, showing he has by no means slowed down since departing New Zealand for France. This sort of world-class form would make the two-time World Cup winner a valuable member of Samoa's loose forward trio.
6. Frank Halai
Now at the Kiwi-laden Pau club in France, Halai has expressed his interest of playing for Tonga to national coach Toutai Kefu, where he would undoubtedly make an instant impact.
7. Ma'a Nonu
One of the greatest All Blacks of all-time, the 103-test midfielder would be a prized asset for Manu Samoa with his well-crafted all-round ability.
8. George Smith
The Wallabies legend amassed a total of 111 test caps over a 13 year period, where he established himself as one of Australia's greatest flankers. A stand out for the struggling Reds in this year's Super Rugby campaign, his defensive work ethic and ability over the ball would be warmly welcomed by Tonga.
9. Digby Ioane
The former Crusaders wing would follow in the footsteps of his father Natu if he turned out for Samoa, with the older Ioane playing one match for his homeland against the Maori All Blacks.
10. Luke McGrath
The Ireland scrum-half has won five caps but has struggled to get gametime ahead of world-class playmaker Conor Murray. If possible, McGrath would definetly get a starting spot for the country of his birth, Canada.
11. David Pocock
The flanker grew up in Gweru but later left for Australia during the Land Redistribution exercise implemented by the Zimbabwean government from about 2000. However, with the government changing the back-rower may be tempted to represent the country of his birth, who only this week revealed they will do everything in their power to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.
12. Manu Tuilagi
Should Tuilagi decide to ditch the white of England for his nation of birth, he could form half of a formidable midfield combo with Nonu. Renowned for his sheer power and blockbusting runs, constant injuries and suspensions have kept the 26-year-old out of England's squads in recent international windows.
13. Isaia Toeava
The Moto'otua-born utility back won himself 35 caps for the All Blacks in addition to a 2011 World Cup title before jetting off to France five years ago. He'd be a great addition to the Samoa squad.
14. Nathan Hughes
With the emergence of Sam Simmonds, the number 8 could find himself slip down the pecking order before the Rugby World Cup. He'd cerrtainly add a lot to the Fiji back-row.
15. Tommy Seymour
The British & Irish Lion has struggled to get back to his best since his summer exploits. With the likes of Byron McGuigan and Lee Jones impressing during the Autumn Internationals, we rather see Seymour represent the USA than not participate at the competiton at all.
16. Joe Rokocoko
The joint record holder for most test tries scored in a calendar year (17), the Akk Vkacj was one of the most electrifying talents in world rugby when he burst onto the international scene in 2003. The fleet-footed 34-year-old hasn't let his ageing body prevent him from churning out top quality performances in France, nor should it prevent him from representing Fiji.
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