"Tuilagi next" - Steve Luatua confirms his nationality switch following stand down

Wednesday, 05 October 2022 at 08:44

byRugby Rucker

Samoa have taken advantage of World Rugby's new eligibility laws by including former All Blacks Steven Luatua and Jeff Toomaga-Allen in their squad to tour Europe next month.

Luatua played 15 Tests for New Zealand up until his big-money move to Bristol Bears while Toomaga-Allen's single cap came in 2013 before his move to Europe.

Another famous name who'd like to switch one day is Manu Tuilagi, who revealed he'd love to end his career by pulling on the famous blue jersey.

He is the younger brother of Freddie, Henry, Alesana, Anitelea and Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, all of whom are Samoan internationals and also played for Leicester.

His international career is likely to end later this year when he’s tipped depart Sale Sharks. It would be fantastic for the powerhouse to complete the family set.

The Islanders were unbeaten in the Pacific Nations Cup in July against Fiji, Tonga and Australia A.

Samoa face England, Japan, Argentina and Chile in the pool stage when the World Cup begins in September 2023.

Samoa squad:

Backs: Tomasi Alosio, Des Sepulona, Tumua Manu, Joe Perez, Duncan Paia'aua, Alapati Leiua, Nigel Ah Wong, Danny Toala, Stacey Ili, Ulupano Seuteni, Rodney Iona, D'Angelo Leuila, Ere Enari, Jonathan Taumateine.

Forwards: Fritz Lee, Talalelei Gray, Afaesetiti Amosa, Jordan Taufua, Steven Luatua, Taleni Seu, Theo McFarland, Brian Alainu'uese, Chris Vui, Michael Ala'alatoa, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Donald Brighouse, Nephi Leatigaga, Jordan Lay, Seilala Lam, Manu Leiataua, Luteru Toloi.

Five England stars who could still swap nations before the 2023 World Cup

#1. Nathan Hughes (England to Fiji)

Age: 31
Position: Number 8
Current number of caps: 20
Last cap: March, 2019
Did you know? His uncle, Asaeli Hughes, is a former dual international having represented Fiji in both basketball and 15s rugby

Hughes, who grew up in the sugar cane town of Lautoka on the west coast of the main Fijian island of Viti Levu, has. revealed that he has full support from the RFU to swap nations after moving to Japan.

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premrugby: A shining light 💡 @FalconsRugby's George McGuigan is the @GallagherUK Player of the Month from March and the leading try-scorer in the #GallagherPrem. What a couple of weeks it has been for the hooker 🔥 #GallagherPremPOTM

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7:20 AM · Apr 8, 2022

#2. Alex Lozowski (England to Italy)

Age: 28
Position: Fly-half, Centre, Wing, Fullback
Current number of caps: 5
Last cap: November, 2018
Did you know? Lozowski is the son of Rob Lozowski and was a sporting allrounder in his teenage years, playing not only rugby for the Wasps academy but also football for the Chelsea academy

'I feel an English bloke. At the moment that is where my loyalties lie, even if I'm not going to get picked," said Lozowski.

Alex Lozowski of England commits a tackle during the Quilter International Match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 17th November 2018. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK]

"That might not make sense to some people because they might think if I'm not getting picked for England, I may as well go and play for Italy. But I'm the type of player who needs to be all in to play for a team. At this stage of my career, I'm still passionately English.

'Eddie Jones said it's up to me which at the end of the day it is. If I hadn't played for England then maybe I wouldn't feel as English as I do. Because I have, I have that attachment.'

'I always thought when I was growing up that it was peculiar you could play for more than one country. If I'm honest about it, my grandmother was Italian, but I've never lived in Italy.

"Potentially that got me considered for the squad, but sometimes being on standby is worse than being completely forgotten about!'

#3. Denny Solomona (England to Fiji)

Age: 28
Position: Winger
Current number of caps: 5
Last cap: June, 2018
Did you know? Solomona feels that meeting senior players can be important for the motivation and development of school age players.

After leaving Sale Sharks, Solomona has revealed that theRFU are in full support of him representing Fiji in the future.

skysports denny solomona england argentina 3975564 1

#4. Danny Cipriani (England to Trinidad & Tobago)

Age: 34
Position: Fly-half
Current number of caps: 16
Last cap: June, 2018
Did you know? A keen all-round sportsman, Cipriani played junior football for Queens Park Rangers and was offered youth terms by Reading

It’s been suggested that the switch could be funded by World Rugby, who are looking to encourage former elite rugby players to represent third tier nations to help raise the sports profile in that country.

Cipriani has been heavily linked with a move to Major League Rugby in the USA after the fly-half confirmed he will be heading 'to a new country' following his departure from Bath at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old’s father is Afro-Trinidadian with some Italian heritage while his mother is English. They’re currently ranked 53rd in the world.

Bath Rugby player Danny Cipriani during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Nov 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#5. George McGuigan (England Saxons to Ireland)

Age: 29
Position: Hooker
Current number of caps: 2
Last cap: June, 2016
Did you know? McGuigan represented Ireland U18 and U20 before switching his allegiance to England

The 28-year-old, who is the second top try-scorer in the Gallagher Premiership with 14, continues to be overlooked by England boss Eddie Jones. Munster, who want to strengthen their hooking options, are now reportedly keeping tabs on the Newcastle Falcons’ ace according to The Rugby Paper.

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