Mako Vunipola has officially retired from England international rugby with 79 caps to his name. With the Rugby World Cup 2027 on the horizon, he has made it clear that playing at the tournament is unlikely. Like his brother Billy, Mako is eligible to represent Tonga. Besides, he has acknowledged that there have been discussions about potentially contributing to Tongan rugby in some capacity.
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However, he is cautious about taking that step. Obviously, I’d love to represent Tonga, he admitted, but it’s difficult. It wouldn’t feel right taking opportunities away from players back on the island. Instead, Mako has expressed a strong interest in coaching, suggesting that any involvement with Tonga is more likely to be off the field than on it.
His wealth of experience at the top level could provide a significant boost to Tongan rugby, even if he does not pull on a jersey again. Similarly, Manu Tuilagi’s situation has changed following his move to French club Bayonne, which makes him ineligible for England selection under current regulations.
Born in Samoa, Tuilagi now qualifies to represent his birth nation once his stand-down period is completed. He has been open about the possibility of switching allegiance, but stresses that fitness and competitiveness will ultimately determine his decision. It’s still a long way away, Rugby World Cup 2027.
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Eligibility Shift Sparks Potential Rugby World Cup Moves
He said. If you go to a Rugby World Cup, you want to go there to compete, not just go for the experience. For Tuilagi, the appeal of representing Samoa is balanced by his desire to perform at a high level; he wants to ensure that if he makes the switch, he can contribute meaningfully on the field rather than simply adding his name to a squad.
The Rugby World Cup’s recent eligibility reforms have significantly reshaped the international rugby landscape. Under the new rules, players are allowed to make a one-time change of international allegiance, provided they have not played Test rugby for 36 months and meet the qualification criteria through birth, parentage, or grandparentage.
This reform has opened doors for several high-profile players whose international futures were previously constrained by eligibility regulations. One such player is Alex Lozowski. Unlike others on this list, Lozowski remains in England and is technically still eligible for national selection.
However, he has not represented England since 2018. With an Italian grandparent, he qualifies to play for Italy, and the Italian Rugby World Cup Federation has previously shown interest in him. Under the current rules, Lozowski could make an immediate one-time switch to Italy if he chose to pursue it. He has not yet spoken publicly about his intentions.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Nic Dolly from England to Australia?
Then his skillset and experience would make him a valuable addition to the Italian squad if he decided to take that path. Nic Dolly is another example of a player whose move abroad has opened new international possibilities. Dolly earned a single England cap in 2021 before returning to Australia, where he now plays for the Western Force, in the Rugby World Cup Final.
Although his move has made him ineligible for England, it also makes him eligible to pursue a new international career with Australia. Like many players navigating this new eligibility landscape, Dolly’s options are shaped as much by regulation as by personal ambition. David Ribbans, born in South Africa, moved to France after the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, signing with Toulon.
His Top 14 contract renders him ineligible for England under the current RFU overseas policy. With a South African birth qualification, Ribbans could theoretically switch allegiance to the Springboks once the required three-year stand-down period is complete.
However, he has expressed discomfort with the idea, indicating that a change in national allegiance is not always purely a matter of eligibility. Players must weigh personal, cultural, and professional considerations before committing to a new international team. Finally, Billy Vunipola’s career has also entered a new chapter with his move to Montpellier for the Rugby World Cup Final.
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Rugby World Cup Semi-Final: Decisions Beyond the Field
This transfer effectively ends any possibility of a recall to England while the overseas player policy remains in place. Like his brother Mako, Billy qualifies for Tonga through his father, former Tongan international Feʻao Vunipola, in the Rugby World Cup Semi-Final.
He has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to switch allegiance, but he has spoken positively about his time in France and the opportunities that lie ahead in this next phase of his career. While a move to represent Tonga remains possible, it would mark a shift not just in playing country but in the focus and ambitions of his rugby career. In summary, the landscape of international rugby is evolving rapidly due to eligibility reforms and players moving abroad.
Mako Vunipola has retired from international play but may contribute to Tonga as a coach. Manu Tuilagi and others are weighing their options, balancing eligibility, fitness, and competitive readiness. Meanwhile, players like Alex Lozowski, Nic Dolly, and David Ribbans are navigating new pathways that were previously closed to them.
For Billy Vunipola, a move overseas has closed the door on England selection but opened up possibilities with Tonga. For all these players, the 2027 Rugby World Cup presents both challenges and opportunities, shaping decisions that extend beyond simple eligibility and into the heart of personal ambition, legacy, and the growth of the global Rugby World Cup Semi-Final.
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FAQs
Q1. When will Rugby World Cup 2027 tickets be available?
Tickets are expected to go on sale in phases starting in late 2026 through official sellers like eTicketing.co.
Q2. Where can I buy verified Rugby World Cup 2027 tickets?
You can purchase secure, verified match tickets online at eTicketing.co.
Q3. Can I buy tickets for England, Samoa, or Tonga matches specifically?
Yes, team-specific and match-day tickets will be listed on eTicketing.co once fixtures are confirmed.
Q4. Can I buy Rugby World Cup knockout-stage tickets in advance?
Yes — Quarter-final, Semi-final, and Final tickets will be available in advance on eTicketing.co, subject to availability.