"Sale winger" - Five players Scotland want to swap nations for the World Cup
Rugby NewsFriday, 26 May 2023 at 09:43
We take a look at four rugby union players who could swap nations to represent Scotland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Nobody has more players born overseas in the Six Nations than the Scots, with 21 of their Six Nations squad hailing from other countries.
This method of talent spotting has helped Gregor Townsend transform his squad from fodder into genuine title contenders.
He's also not done, with five more players linked with changing their allegiances prior to the fast approaching 2023 Rugby World Cup.
#1. Tom Roebuck
Age: 21
Position: Winger
Honours: England U20
The 2021/22 Premiership season was a breakthrough campaign for Roebuck, as a run of six tries in six games in January 2022 cemented his place in Alex Sanderson’s squad.
Roebuck was born in Inverness, Scotland, but has represented England at youth level, making seven appearances for the U20 side.
The 21-year-old was called up by England in the Autumn, but hasn't been capped so would be available to Townsend if he can convince him to take the call.
Sale Sharks player Tom Roebuck during the warm up before the Gallagher Rugby Premiership game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on October 3rd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
#2. John Cooney
Age: 32
Position: Scrum-half
Honours: Ireland (11 caps), Emerging Ireland, Ireland U20
The former Connacht ace has not played for Ireland in three years — and can move under World Rugby’s new eligibility rules.
His father, John Cooney senior, who was born in Blantyre in South Lanarkshire, , was a journalist who worked for the
Glasgow Herald before becoming European correspondent, and later religious affairs correspondent, for The Irish Times
Players can switch nations if they have been stood down from international rugby for three years and they, or a parent or grandparent, were born in the country they wish to represent.
DID YOU KNOW? He is the first player to play over 20 games for three different Irish province (Connacht, Leinster, Ulster)
#3. Fin Smith
Age: 20
Position: Fly-half
Honours: England U20
“I have chatted to Fin Smith on three occasions now since the Six Nations and have chatted to other players who are dual qualified that have not made our squad,” said Townsend.
“He is definitely a player we think very highly of.
“He has played a lot of rugby at a young age and just turned 20 a few weeks ago. It was great to get to know the person as well. He has close links with my old club, his grandad played for Gala and the Lions and his mum is from a village three miles from Gala.
“It has been good to get that connection and see how his game is progressing. I thought one of his best games was at the weekend when he played Bath.
“I went down to watch the Premiership final against London Irish so yeah, he is progressing but we didn’t feel this tour is the right time for him and obviously he would have to make a commitment between us and England.”
#4. Zach Mercer
Age: 25
Position: Number 8
Honours: England, England U20, England U18
“I grew up in Scotland and I qualified to play on residency so that’s what I did,” Mercer said.
“I played for Scotland’s U16s because, at the time, I just wanted to play international rugby and to test myself against the best.
“I tried to get into the Scotland U18s a year early but I didn’t get selected. The next year came around and I was gunning to play [for Scotland U18s]. Around the same time, I was looking at some different contracts and that’s when Bath offered me one. When you’re offered a contract by a team like that, you’d be stupid to turn it down so, of course, I accepted it.
“Unfortunately, that was when the coach of the Scotland U18s called me and told me he wasn’t going to pick me because I hadn’t committed to Scotland and to Scottish rugby.
Zach Mercer of England goes over for a try during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
“I remember that day pretty well, because, 20 minutes later, when I told the England U18s head coach I hadn’t been picked, he just said: ‘Come down and play for us then’.”
“After that, my first game for England U18s was against Scotland. Honestly, you couldn’t write it.”
#5. Ben Healy
Age: 23
Position: Fly-half
Honours: Ireland U20
Healy will join Edinburgh this summer on a two-year deal.
The 23-year-old represented Ireland at under-20 level but qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents.
Healy has featured for the Irish province since 2019, amassing 275 points from 47 appearances.
"It's clear how much they want to play. I'm looking forward to putting myself into a new environment and seeing how I go," Healy told Edinburgh's website.
"I'd like to thank everyone at Munster for their support over the last few seasons. I've loved every minute of my time playing with the club, but I felt now was the right time to take on a new and exciting challenge in Edinburgh."
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