Could former All Black Kerr-Barlow switch to Wallabies?

He won a Rugby World Cup with New Zealand in 2015, but now scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow has signalled he would pull on the gold of Australia “without hesitation” if coach Dave Rennie called him up

In January an amendment came into effect that meant a previously capped player could transfer to one other national union providing they could “demonstrate a close and credible link to that union via birthright” and hadn’t played a Test match in 36 months. Kerr-Barlow fits this criteria because not only was he born in Melbourne, but he won the last of his 29 caps back in 2017.

The 32-year-old half-back has been with La Rochelle since 2019 and played a role in them winning their first-ever European Champions Cup title last season. He remains with the outfit – as it stands, the Wallabies’ own selection rules only allow them to pick a maximum of three overseas-based players in their squad.

Kerr-Barlow in All Black action, 2017.(Getty Images)

On this very subject Kerr-Barlow told Rugbyrama:“Unlike New Zealand, Australia have a rule allowing players who are overseas to still be eligible for selection. I am available to play for the Wallabies.

“I was born there, I have a lot of ties in this country and if the staff calls me I will go without hesitation. It would be a great opportunity but for the moment I am focused on La Rochelle.”

It is also worth noting that Kerr-Barlow played under Rennie in New Zealand, at the Chiefs. Together they won two Super Rugby titles, back in 2012 and 2013.

Let us know what you think of the potential switching of allegiance, by emailing rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com or getting in touch via social media.

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