England’s plan to fast-track a promising prop has been thwarted, as it has been acknowledged that Exeter’s Patrick Schickerling, who was born in Namibia, will not be eligible until after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Despite making a significant impact for the Chiefs at just 24 years of age and receiving a call-up from Eddie Jones, Schickerling’s residency qualifications were not as initially believed by him and the RFU.
Although he was included in the squad for Australia’s tour, he did not make his Test debut.
He did feature in an uncapped game at Twickenham against the Barbarians.
A statement read: “No action will be taken by World Rugby as he is still uncapped and is not ‘captured’ by England.”
Steve Borthwick is thought to be in contact with the player, meaning he could return to the England fold for the 2024 Six Nations.
5 current England stars who could one day swap nations – and when
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.
#1. Sam Underhill to USA
The Bath back-rower was born in Dayton Ohio and would therefore be eligible for the USA following a stand down from the England national side.
His father Greg was stationed there with the RAF but the family moved to Gloucester when he was about 10-years-old.
With his last cap for England in 2022, he’d have to wait until 2025 to play for the Eagles when he’d be aged just 30.
