Ex-England forward set to play against Lions after swapping nations
Yesterday at 05:38 PM
One-Test England international Nic Dolly is staying put at Western Force, signing a contract extension that will keep him in Perth until the end of 2028.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
But while his Super Rugby Pacific journey continues, there's a bigger storyline bubbling away in the background.
Dolly, 25, has made no secret of his desire to wear Wallaby gold, and this latest deal could be another major step toward making that dream a reality. If he does, it would be history in the making – no player has ever represented both England and Australia in Test rugby.
A move Down Under with a bigger goal in mind?
The hooker earned his sole England cap in 2021, but after making the switch from Leicester Tigers to the Force, his focus appears to have shifted. Since arriving, he's made three starts in as many games, proving his worth in a highly competitive squad.
And competition is fierce. Brandon Paenga-Amosa and the currently injured Tom Horton are also in the mix for that No. 2 jersey, but Sydney-born Dolly is more than up for the challenge.
“Perth is a beautiful spot” – Dolly on why he’s staying
"What they're trying to build over here is long-term success, and you can only have that with a strong squad," Dolly said after re-signing.
"With the signings they're making, I wanted to stay long-term. That's one of many things—Perth is a beautiful spot, the boys here are great, and the coaching staff and playing group are really ambitious."
And when it comes to the battle for selection, Dolly is embracing the fight.
"I look at my position, and it's probably one of the strongest within the squad in terms of depth," he added. "We push each other, but we also want that spot.
"That's really healthy to have in the group. The more we see that throughout every position, the better we'll get."
Could this commitment to the Force pave the way for a historic Wallabies call-up? Time will tell.
Six England players who could swap nations before the 2027 Rugby World Cup
With World Rugby's eligibility laws allowing players to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down period, a number of familiar faces from England's past and present could soon be wearing different colours on the international stage.
Here’s a look at six England stars who could make a major international switch before the 2027 Rugby World Cupin Australia.
Manu Tuilagi – England to Samoa
The most high-profile name on this list, Manu Tuilagi, has long been the bulldozing presence in England’s midfield. Born in Samoa, the 33-year-old is eligible to represent the Pacific Island nation after completing the three-year stand-down rule.
With his England career coming to an end last year and the next generation of centres taking over, Tuilagi could provide Samoa with a major boost in 2027 if he stays fit during his time in France.
Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 33
England caps: 60+
Club: Sale Sharks
Born in: Fogapoa, Samoa
Dan Kelly – England to Ireland
Dan Kelly has one cap for England, earned under Eddie Jones in 2021. However, because more than three years will have passed by the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and since he has Irish heritage through his Dublin-born mother, he would be eligible to switch to Ireland under World Rugby's revised eligibility laws.
Ireland could be a serious option if his international pathway with England remains blocked.
Bio:
Position: Centre
Age: 23
England caps: 0
Club: Leicester Tigers
Eligible through: Irish mother
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