Exciting prospect Paolo Odogwu could be about to snub England and instead pledge his international allegiance to Italy.
The 25-year-old, from Coventry, was made redundant by Wasps last week and teams from across Europe, including Benetton Treviso, are now interested in signing him. The outside centre who can also play on the wing qualifies to play for Italy through his father.
He was approached by the Italians ahead of last year's Six Nations but chose to join England and spent eight weeks training with Eddie Jones ' side. However, he was left out of their matchday squads meaning he could still change allegiances ahead of next year's World Cup in France.
Odogwu, of Nigerian and Italian descent, has represented England through the age groups but has been contacted by Italian national coach Kieran Crowley about a potential World Cup spot. Odogwu started his club career at Sale Sharks before being signed by Wasps in 2019 and after continuing to impress signed a contract extension last year.
Going into last season's Six Nations in try-scoring form he looked bound for a first senior cap, but it never came as he was left out of England's five championship matches.
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“We are really pleased with the way he is going,” said England head coach Eddie Jones about Odogwu.
“Some players need a period of adaption. He will be a much better player, well he is a much better player and if he keeps working hard on his game and keeps attending to areas of his game that he needs to be to be a Test player, he is going to be a great prospect.
Odogwu has been left out the England's squad for their autumn internationals which could push him to join Italy. England host Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa all at Twickenham next month.
