When Bevan Rodd and Ewan Ashman pack down in the front row for Sale Sharks, they represent club unity. But internationally, their journeys have taken different directions. This weekend at Murrayfield, they could have been wearing the same jersey. Instead, one chose England and the other Scotland — highlighting a long-running tug-of-war between the two nations over dual-qualified rugby players.
Back in April 2021, then-England head coach Eddie Jones sent forwards coach Matt Proudfoot to Sale’s training base. His mission was simple: speak to the then-uncapped Rodd and Ashman about their international futures. Both players were eligible to represent either England or Scotland under World Rugby’s ancestry rules.
Ashman, born in Canada but raised in Manchester, had a Scottish father from Edinburgh. Rodd, meanwhile, was born in Dunoon in western Scotland, grew up on the Isle of Man, and qualified for England through family heritage. The choice before them was not unusual — but it was significant.
Ultimately, they chose different paths. Ashman pledged allegiance to Scotland and marked his debut in November 2021 with a try against Australia at Murrayfield. Just six days later, Rodd made his England debut against the same opponents. Two teammates, two nations, two identities.
This dilemma is increasingly common. Given the deep historical and geographical ties between England and Scotland, hundreds of young players face similar decisions every year. England winger Tom Roebuck was born in Inverness. Henry Pollock grew up supporting Scotland because of his parents’ heritage. Fin Smith could also have represented Scotland through his grandfather, who played for them in the 1950s.
Scotland have similarly benefited from English-born talent. Scrum-half Ben White, known for his performances in the Calcutta Cup, was born in Stoke and even captained England Under-20s before switching allegiance. Centre Huw Jones spent most of his childhood in England, while full-back Tom Jordan qualifies through a Blackpool-born grandmother.
The competition for these players begins well before they make a senior appearance. Two weeks ago, Scottish Rugby took proactive steps by hosting training sessions at RGS Surrey Hills school in Dorking, just 12 miles from Twickenham. Coaches from Scotland’s SQ (Scottish Qualified) programme ran drills for Under-16 and Under-18 prospects who could be eligible for Scotland.
The SQ initiative aims to identify and nurture talent living outside Scotland but eligible through family connections. Staff members monitor school competitions, gather referrals from clubs, and even set up recruitment points at age-grade tournaments. Players can scan QR codes and register their details if interested.
All unions attempt to secure promising prospects early. England are keen to keep hold of rising talents like Junior Kpoku, who could potentially qualify elsewhere. Meanwhile, residency rules also play a role. South African-born Benhard Janse van Rensburg is expected to become eligible for England after fulfilling residency requirements.
However, for Scotland — with around 50,000 registered club players compared to England’s 880,000 — the stakes are higher. Every eligible talent represents a crucial addition to the national pool. That reality shapes recruitment efforts and communication strategies.
National pride is often the first factor influencing a player’s choice. Ashman reportedly told England coaches quite directly in 2021 that he wished to represent Scotland. For others, the emotional connection may be more complex. Gary Graham, son of former Scotland prop George Graham, once claimed he felt “more English than Scottish” after attending an England training camp. Yet within a year, he debuted for Scotland, later insisting he had always wanted to represent his father’s homeland.
Financial considerations can also influence decisions. England’s new central contracts allow top players to earn upwards of £150,000 annually for roughly a dozen Tests. Scotland’s financial structure is different. Players receive approximately £5,000 per Test, with bonuses tied to Six Nations performance and individual involvement.
Yet the pathway to international rugby may be clearer with Scotland. England’s vast talent pool creates fierce competition, and selection turnover can be rapid. Dual-qualified winger Ruaridh McConnochie earned two England caps in 2019 but quickly fell out of contention. After a stand-down period, he opted for Scotland, potentially securing a longer international career.
Club careers are another major consideration. Ben Vellacott once declined a Scotland call-up in favor of attending an England camp, partly because Premiership clubs must meet English-qualified player quotas. Representing Scotland could have limited his contract opportunities in England. Eventually, he moved to Edinburgh and debuted for Scotland in 2022.
Selection policies further complicate matters. England head coach Steve Borthwick can only select players based at English clubs. Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has greater flexibility and can pick players regardless of where they play. That freedom allows Scottish internationals to pursue lucrative contracts abroad without sacrificing international opportunities.
Ben White, for example, was able to join Toulon in France while remaining part of Scotland’s plans — a move that would likely have ended his England prospects. Huw Jones is set to follow a similar path next season.
Education pathways also play a part. English Premiership clubs often partner with prestigious schools and universities, creating strong recruitment pipelines that may pull Scottish-qualified youngsters south of the border.
An interesting development is unfolding at Newcastle Red Bulls. Townsend currently works there as a part-time consultant, alongside fellow Scots Jonny Petrie and Neil McIlory. Scotland’s chief analyst Gavin Vaughan is reportedly joining the club as head of recruitment. Recent signings include Scotland internationals George Turner and Elliot Millar Mills.
Could Newcastle evolve into a strategic base for Scottish-qualified players within England? It’s too early to say, but the connections are notable.
What is clear is that “project players” — those qualifying through residency — are becoming rarer. In 2021, World Rugby extended the residency qualification period from three to five years. That change reduced the incentive to invest in long-term foreign prospects who may only feature in one World Cup cycle.
Instead, the focus has shifted firmly toward players with immediate eligibility through heritage. The battle between England and Scotland for these dual-qualified athletes is now more intense than ever.
As Rodd and Ashman prepare for another Six Nations chapter — one representing England, the other Scotland — their choices reflect a broader narrative. Identity, opportunity, finances, and ambition all intersect in shaping international careers. And with the Calcutta Cup rivalry as fierce as ever, the cross-border contest for talent will only continue to grow.
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