Back
England star Marcus Smith has revealed his dream of representing another country before retiring, with the Harlequins playmaker hoping to line up alongside his younger brothers.
The 27-year-old has become one of England's most recognisable players under Steve Borthwick.
But there is another international jersey he would love to wear.
Smith was born in Manila to a Filipino mother and British father. He spent his early childhood in Asia before moving to England.
And while his immediate future remains with the Red Rose, the talented playmaker has already admitted he would love to represent the Philippines.
Speaking during an England Rugby question-and-answer session, Smith opened up about his family's connection to Philippine rugby.
"One day I'd love to help and be involved in Philippine rugby — my brother currently plays for the Philippines," he said.
"Right now, my heart and mind are fully with England. It's a dream to wear this kit.
"But one day that might be different… if the chance comes and my body holds up, it would be amazing to play alongside my younger brothers."
And it would be quite the family reunion.
Smith's younger brother Luc has already represented the Philippines, while his other brother Tomas also shares the family's passion for rugby.
The answer is yes, but there is a catch.
Under World Rugby's Regulation 8, players can apply to represent another country after three years without representing their original union internationally.
They must also qualify through their birthplace or the birthplace of a parent or grandparent.
Smith qualifies for the Philippines through his birth in Manila and his Filipino mother.
However, every further England appearance pushes back the earliest date he could make the switch.
The governing body confirmed the birthright transfer process in 2021, allowing eligible players to change unions once, subject to approval.
For now, Smith's focus remains firmly on England and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But Smith is not alone. Several other England internationals could potentially finish their careers representing another country.
Smith is not the only England international with a potential route to another country.
World Rugby's eligibility changes have opened the door for several familiar names.
The Toulouse flanker has not represented England since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Willis has been linked with Ireland through family ancestry, although his qualifying birthright would need to be confirmed before any switch.
The former England prop has strong Tongan roots through his parents.
Mako last represented England in 2023, meaning a switch to Tonga could become possible once he completes the required stand-down period.
He was also named among the England stars who could change nations ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Kelly earned his only senior England cap against Canada in 2021.
The centre previously represented Ireland at under-20 level and has since joined Munster.
His Irish family connections offer a possible route to a senior international switch.
RUCK previously reported that Kelly was edging closer to representing Ireland.
The powerful number eight could follow his family roots back to Tonga.
Billy earned 75 England caps and last appeared internationally during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
A switch would provide Tonga with a vastly experienced back-row option.
Born in Somerset West, Ribbans represented England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The Toulon lock could potentially represent South Africa after completing three years away from England duty.
However, Ribbans has previously played down the idea of switching nations, maintaining his desire to represent England again.
Perhaps the most emotional potential switch on this list.
Tuilagi was born in Samoa, while several of his brothers represented the Pacific Island nation.
The former England centre has already expressed interest in representing Samoa at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
His last England appearance came in March 2024, meaning he would have to wait until March 2027 before becoming eligible.
The Sydney-born hooker earned his only England cap against South Africa in November 2021.
Dolly has since returned to Australian club rugby.
With the three-year stand-down period already completed, he has a potential route to representing the Wallabies.
The Saracens playmaker has Italian ancestry through his grandmother.
Lozowski has previously been linked with a switch to the Azzurri, although his England involvement would affect the required waiting period.
His versatility at fly-half and centre could make him an attractive option if a transfer became possible.
Any international switch would require approval under World Rugby's player eligibility regulations.
These are potential switches, not confirmed transfers. Individual eligibility and international stand-down dates must be verified before publication.
Back
Top
| Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact |
Refresh
|
All the best breaking news stories from Apex Scores Lite. Optimised for feature phones and low end Android devices, Apex Scores Lite helps users with legacy devices and poor network connectivity access the latest football news and live scores. Particularly relevant for breaking football news in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.