Former Wasps Fly-Half Set for Samoa Debut After Switch in International Eligibility Rules
Three years after making his lone Test appearance for England, Jacob Umaga is set to pull on an international jersey once again—but this time, it’ll be for Samoa. The 26-year-old former Wasps playmaker has been named in the Manu Samoa squad for the first time, a move made possible by World Rugby’s recent changes to eligibility rules.
It marks a poignant and powerful shift for a player whose international journey has been anything but straightforward. Born in Halifax and capped by England, Umaga is now set to follow in the footsteps of his father, Mike, and represent the island nation that has long been part of his family legacy.
A Tale of Two Nations
Jacob Umaga’s rise through the rugby ranks began in England, and his early promise didn’t go unnoticed. After breaking through with Wasps, he caught the attention of then-England head coach Eddie Jones, who brought him into the squad as an apprentice during the 2020 Six Nations.
His big chance came a year later when he earned his first and only England cap, coming off the bench in a 43-29 win over the United States in July 2021. While the moment was a proud one, further opportunities didn’t follow.
But the door to international rugby didn’t stay shut for long.
In 2022, World Rugby introduced a key rule change that allowed players to switch national teams—as long as they had not played for their previous country for at least three years and had a parent or grandparent from the second nation.
For Jacob, whose father Mike won caps for Samoa and whose uncle is New Zealand great Tana Umaga, it was an opening that made both sporting and personal sense.
Rebuilding in Italy
Following the unfortunate collapse of Wasps in 2022, Umaga took his talents abroad, signing with Benetton Treviso in Italy’s United Rugby Championship (URC). It proved to be a good fit. The move not only gave him a fresh start, but also exposed him to a different style of rugby—one that has allowed him to mature as a player and rediscover his confidence.
At Benetton, Umaga has become a reliable and creative presence at fly-half, helping the club to a solid mid-table finish in the URC this season. His ability to control games, unlock defences, and handle pressure situations has not gone unnoticed.
And now, with his club form on the rise and his international switch approved, he’s preparing to take centre stage once again—this time in blue.
Samoa’s Summer Plans: Scotland and the Pacific Nations Cup
Umaga has been named in a 35-man squad that will first face Scotland in Auckland this July before heading into the Pacific Nations Cup in August—a key competition for Samoa as they continue to build their squad depth and identity under head coach Mapusua Seilala.
For Umaga, it’s a huge opportunity—not just to add to his international caps, but to be part of something meaningful. Representing Samoa carries deep personal significance, and his selection has been met with excitement from fans and pundits alike.
While there’s stiff competition for the No.10 shirt, Umaga’s experience in northern hemisphere rugby, coupled with his calm head and tactical kicking, could prove to be an asset for a team looking to find balance between flair and structure.
Rugby in the Blood
The Umaga name holds serious weight in the world of rugby. Jacob’s father, Mike Umaga, made his mark with Samoa before moving to England to play rugby league and later union, most notably with Rotherham. Meanwhile, Jacob’s uncle, Tana Umaga, became an icon with the All Blacks—captaining them and earning legendary status as a centre with immense power and poise.
Jacob has long carried that legacy with quiet pride, and now, with this international switch, he has the chance to carve out his own chapter in the family story.
He’s not the first player to make the most of World Rugby’s eligibility changes—and he won’t be the last—but his case is a reminder of how complex, and deeply personal, the concept of national identity in sport can be.
A Career Reignited
The fall of Wasps in 2022 could have derailed Umaga’s progress. He was 24, without a club, and with only one international cap to his name. But instead of fading from the spotlight, he took a leap into the unknown, and it’s paid off.
His time in Italy has helped him rediscover joy and rhythm in his rugby, and his call-up to Samoa is a fitting reward for both perseverance and performance.
What happens next remains to be seen. Will he start against Scotland? Can he secure a place in Samoa’s long-term plans heading toward future World Cups? There are plenty of questions. But what’s clear is this: Jacob Umaga is back on the international stage, and this time, it feels like a natural fit.
A Welcome Addition to Manu Samoa
Samoa have been building quietly but confidently under Seilala Mapusua, and the inclusion of experienced, tactically astute players like Umaga only strengthens their hand. He brings composure, kicking accuracy, and a sense of creativity that could be invaluable in high-pressure moments.
For fans, there’s an added excitement. Watching Jacob Umaga run out in a Samoa jersey for the first time—with his family’s legacy behind him and his own ambitions ahead—is bound to be one of the summer’s more emotional rugby moments.
In a sport increasingly shaped by global movement and multicultural identity, his story resonates. It’s a story of change, of resilience, and ultimately of belonging.
From Halifax to Treviso, from Twickenham to Auckland—Jacob Umaga’s rugby journey is far from conventional. But now, as he prepares to represent Samoa, it feels like he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.
