As the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia looms, a slew of international players are poised to switch national allegiances, fueled by World Rugby's revised eligibility rules. From seasoned pros to emerging talents, here’s a glimpse at 13 rugby stars who might don new jerseys come 2027.
England's Dan Kelly, after a stint with Munster, could sport the Irish green, bolstered by his grandparents' heritage and a completed three-year stand-down. On the other end, Nepo Laulala, with 53 caps for the All Blacks, eyes a return to his roots in Samoa post-injury recovery and a requisite stand-down period ending in November 2026.
Meanwhile, Manu Tuilagi contemplates a significant shift from England to Samoa. With his contract at Bayonne extended to 2028 and his last England appearance in the 2024 Six Nations, the eligibility window aligns perfectly with the World Cup year.
"It's the World Cup – if you go, you go to win and to give your best, not just so you can say I’ll play another World Cup. I’ll be 36 then, so I don’t know. We’ll see,"
Tuilagi shared with Rugby Union Weekly, hinting at a potential homage to his Samoan heritage.
Hoskins Sotutu, after being sidelined by the All Blacks, might opt for England or Fiji, qualifying through his mother and seeking opportunities in the Premiership. His All Black peer, Akira Ioane, disillusioned post-2023 World Cup, also eyes Samoa, tracing his father's lineage.
Folau Fakatava, another All Black, could switch to Tonga by 2026, having last played for New Zealand in 2022. Despite his recent performances with the All Blacks XV, Fakatava's future might see him embracing his Tongan heritage.
Tonga could also welcome powerhouse centre Ngani Laumape, who, despite missing the 2023 World Cup eligibility, remains keen. "I’ll put my hand up for Tonga," Laumape declared in 2023, eager to represent his parents' nation.
In the mix too are players like Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Tyrone Green, who navigate eligibility complexities to potentially represent England, while Rhyno Smith eyes Italy after a significant stint with Benetton.
Lalakai Foketi's switch from Australia to New Zealand is driven by legal and professional strife, setting a potentially precedent-setting scenario. Dave Ribbans, on the other hand, expresses a clear preference despite eligibility for South Africa,
"I don’t like the concept of changing countries for convenience. I played for England, and for sure, I’d love to do that again – so that is a desire, for sure,"
he stated after re-signing with Toulon.
These potential shifts not only highlight personal and professional crossroads but also underscore the dynamic and often controversial nature of international rugby as the 2027 World Cup approaches.
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As the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia looms, a slew of international players are poised to switch national allegiances, fueled by World Rugby's revised eligibility rules. From seasoned pros to emerging talents, here’s a glimpse at 13 rugby stars who might don new jerseys come 2027.
England's Dan Kelly, after a stint with Munster, could sport the Irish green, bolstered by his grandparents' heritage and a completed three-year stand-down. On the other end, Nepo Laulala, with 53 caps for the All Blacks, eyes a return to his roots in Samoa post-injury recovery and a requisite stand-down period ending in November 2026.
Meanwhile, Manu Tuilagi contemplates a significant shift from England to Samoa. With his contract at Bayonne extended to 2028 and his last England appearance in the 2024 Six Nations, the eligibility window aligns perfectly with the World Cup year.
"It's the World Cup – if you go, you go to win and to give your best, not just so you can say I’ll play another World Cup. I’ll be 36 then, so I don’t know. We’ll see,"
Tuilagi shared with Rugby Union Weekly, hinting at a potential homage to his Samoan heritage.Hoskins Sotutu, after being sidelined by the All Blacks, might opt for England or Fiji, qualifying through his mother and seeking opportunities in the Premiership. His All Black peer, Akira Ioane, disillusioned post-2023 World Cup, also eyes Samoa, tracing his father's lineage.
Folau Fakatava, another All Black, could switch to Tonga by 2026, having last played for New Zealand in 2022. Despite his recent performances with the All Blacks XV, Fakatava's future might see him embracing his Tongan heritage.
Tonga could also welcome powerhouse centre Ngani Laumape, who, despite missing the 2023 World Cup eligibility, remains keen. "I’ll put my hand up for Tonga," Laumape declared in 2023, eager to represent his parents' nation.
In the mix too are players like Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Tyrone Green, who navigate eligibility complexities to potentially represent England, while Rhyno Smith eyes Italy after a significant stint with Benetton.
Lalakai Foketi's switch from Australia to New Zealand is driven by legal and professional strife, setting a potentially precedent-setting scenario. Dave Ribbans, on the other hand, expresses a clear preference despite eligibility for South Africa,
"I don’t like the concept of changing countries for convenience. I played for England, and for sure, I’d love to do that again – so that is a desire, for sure,"
he stated after re-signing with Toulon.These potential shifts not only highlight personal and professional crossroads but also underscore the dynamic and often controversial nature of international rugby as the 2027 World Cup approaches.