Eddie Jones wanted to call up England powerhouse Billy Vunipola for Australia - Ruck

Eddie Jones wanted to call up England powerhouse Billy Vunipola for Australia

The latest eligibility laws by World Rugby have created a possibility for several renowned England players to represent a different country from their initial capped one, both in the present and upcoming years. 

These new regulations state that players can meet the transfer qualification criteria by abstaining from Test rugby for three years and being either born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent who was born there. 

Although some players are more likely to do so than others, here we discuss five players who could potentially switch.

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#1. Billy Vunipola to Tonga or Australia

The 29-year-old, born in Sydney in 1992, would be free to play for the Aussies when he completes his three-years stand down from international rugby.

Winning 61 caps since making his debut in 2013, reports down under suggested Aussie chiefs wanted to make contact with the powerhouse about a potential swap prior to his recall last Autumn.

Tonga, who Billy’s Dad Fe’ao played for in the 1990s, also remain keen on the Saracens star.

Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

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