Several high-profile rugby players could be set for dramatic international switches ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2027, with eligibility rules, overseas club moves and family heritage all combining to reshape the international landscape. David Ribbans is one of the most straightforward cases. Born in South Africa, he qualified for England through ancestry and last represented.
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The Red Rose at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Since then, however, he has moved to Toulon in France, making him unavailable for England selection under the RFU’s policy on overseas-based players. With three years likely to pass before the next Rugby World Cup, Ribbans will once again be eligible for South Africa, his country of birth, a move that has already been widely discussed in Springbok planning circles.
Manu Tuilagi’s situation carries an emotional dimension as well as a sporting one. Born in Samoa, Tuilagi has deep family ties to the Pacific nation, with five of his brothers having represented Samoa internationally in the Rugby World Cup 2027.
His full name, Manusamoa, reflects that heritage and was partly inspired by his eldest brother’s debut for Samoa, a story well known in rugby folklore. Despite earning over 60 caps for England, Tuilagi is now based overseas and, if he remains fit and active, could become eligible to represent Samoa after the required three-year stand-down period.
Rugby World Cup: Alex Lozowski on Italy’s Radar
Hooker Luke Dolly is another player whose international future may take a different direction. Born in Sydney, he qualified for England and won a single cap in 2021, but has since returned to Australia to play club rugby. With more than three years having passed since his England appearance, and with eligibility through both birth and heritage, Dolly could yet come into Wallabies contention if selected.
Alex Lozowski, a versatile center and utility back, also has options. Through his Italian grandmother, he qualifies to represent Italy, and under the Rugby World Cup updated eligibility rules, he can switch allegiance after a stand-down period, having last played for England in 2018. Reports suggest Italian rugby officials have already been in touch.
Besides, a move to the Azzurri would likely offer Lozowski regular Test rugby and a genuine chance to feature at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Perhaps the most intriguing case is Jack Willis, who could be preparing for a rare double shift, changing both his club base and international allegiance at the same time.
The Toulouse back-rower last played for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup but has since been ruled out of selection due to England’s stance on overseas-based players. That absence may end up having significant consequences.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Billy and the Island Call
Willis qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, meaning he could switch allegiance after the three-year stand-down period. While he has always seen himself as English, speculation refuses to disappear. I am Quarter-Irish. My grandad is from Northern Ireland, so he’s fully Irish, Willis once said. But I’ve always grown up supporting England, my brother the same Rugby World Cup Final.
Still, rumours have persisted, with former Scotland international Jim Hamilton suggesting Munster could be exploring the possibility. Whether or not that move materialises, the situation highlights how England’s selection policies may unintentionally open the door to rivals.
Mako Vunipola, long established as one of England’s most reliable props, also has an alternative path available. With Tongan heritage through his parents and no England appearances since the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, he could qualify to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility rules if he chooses to do so. While nothing is confirmed, the option remains open.
A similar story applies to Billy Vunipola. Despite enjoying a lengthy England career, he has not featured internationally since 2024 due to the restrictions on overseas-based players. Billy also qualifies for Tonga through family heritage, and there has been interest from the Pacific nation in bringing the powerful number eight into their squad ahead of 2027.
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Rugby World Cup Semi-Final: Kelly in Irish Contention
Under the current eligibility framework, such a switch would be possible. Elsewhere, a talented center currently playing in Ireland, Kelly has one senior England cap but has since featured for Ireland A, aligning him with the Irish setup under the modern eligibility pathway. England’s overseas player policy limited his chances with the Red Rose.
But a full commitment to Ireland could give him the opportunity for regular Test rugby and potentially a starting role at the next Rugby World Cup semi-final. Together, these cases underline how international rugby is entering a more fluid era. Changes to World Rugby’s eligibility rules, combined with domestic union policies around overseas-based players.
Are creating new opportunities and dilemmas for players nearing the peak or twilight of their careers. For some, it offers the chance to reconnect with family heritage. For others, it simply provides a route back into Test rugby and onto the sport’s biggest stage.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup fast approaching, these potential switches could reshape squads, alter competitive balances, and add fresh intrigue to the international game, proving once again that modern rugby careers rarely follow a straight line. Rugby World Cup Semi-Final.
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