Rugby players face potential shifts ahead of 2027 World Cup

Rugby players Manu Tuilagi and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are facing potential positional or national changes ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Manu Tuilagi, the 35-year-old center currently playing for Bayonne in France, has not ruled out the possibility of representing Samoa. Having previously played 60 matches for England, Tuilagi may become eligible for his birth nation once the mandatory waiting period from his last appearance for England has concluded. He noted that playing for Samoa would be a significant opportunity, potentially allowing him to compete in Group C alongside teammates from Bayonne.

In Australia, rugby legend Tim Horan has expressed a desire to see Wallabies player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii play more frequently on the wing. Following a recent performance against the Springboks, where Suaalii was moved to the wing by coach Les Kiss, Horan emphasized the player's versatility. Horan suggested that while Suaalii can play multiple positions, including center or fullback, gaining more experience on the wing before the 2027 tournament would be beneficial.