Former England centre Joe Marchant will become eligible to play for Wales in a matter of months after spending three years outside Test rugby. The 30-year-old made his last appearance in an England shirt at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, starting in the third-place play-off against Argentina in Paris.
Two weeks later, he debuted for Stade Francais in the Top 14 after signing from Harlequins ahead of the 2023/24 season. Under RFU rules, that move made him ineligible for selection for Steve Borthwick's side. October 27 will mark three years since his 28th and final England cap.
Eligibility switch
At that point, World Rugby rules allow captured players to change national teams after a three-year stand-down period. Though born in Winchester, Marchant is believed to have Welsh family background and could become an option at outside centre for Wales if he chose to switch.
However, Marchant is also eligible for England again later this year after leaving France to join Premiership side Sale Sharks. When his move was confirmed last November, he admitted he wanted to return to international duty with England.
"I'd love to get back in the mix for England," he said. "But I know that first I have to get back into the flow of the Prem and put in some good performances for Sale."
Reaction and personal life
England return to action on November 8, and it remains to be seen if Borthwick recalls Marchant. The possibility of Marchant representing Wales after nearly 30 England caps has reignited debate over World Rugby's eligibility rules, with fans calling them "nonsense" and "a mockery".
Ahead of his return to English rugby, Marchant married Hollie Shearer, daughter of football legend Alan. The couple got engaged in November 2024 and married in Winchester, with Alan Shearer returning from World Cup duty in the US.
