World Cup: Who are the biggest poachers?

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand are the ones accused of sucking up the best players from the Pacific Islands and making them into winning All Blacks.

It’s not true. Far more New Zealanders play for other countries than other nationalities play for New Zealand.

We have taken place of birth as a yardstick. Even though we may not have all of them, it shows that New Zealand gives far more than it receives.

There seems a belief that only people whose antecedents came fro the UK and Ireland qualify as New Zealanders. That those of Polynesian or Melanesian antecedents stay foreigners forever even though their predecessors were far longer in the area than the followers of Thomas Cook and company.

Two Tonga-born players play for New Zealand; 14 New Zealand-born players play for Tonga.
One Samoa-born player plays for New Zealand; 16 New Zealand-born players play for Samoa.

Birth does not always tell the full story.

England’s Joe Cokanasiga, for example, was born in Fiji but went to England as a baby because his father was in the British Army. Is Cokanasiga Fijian or English?

Sam Underhill was born in the USA but grew up in England. Tommy Seymour was also born in the USA. Later his family moved to Dubai and then to Belfast, but his mother is Scottish, which qualified him to play for Scotland.

Sergio Parisse was born in Argentina, when his Italian father worked there  for Alitalia, and grew up in Italy.

David Sisi is more international – born in Germany when his father was in the British army, educated in England and playing for Italy, through his father’s family.

Michael Leitch was born in New Zealand, went to Japan at the age of 15, played Super Rugby for a New Zealand team and is a Japanese citizen. He captains Japan.

Anyway, it’s a bit of fun.

We shall give a table first of the 20 teams and then give players’ names after that.

Number of Foreign-born Players per Country

19 Samoa
16 Tonga
15 USA
14 Japan, Scotland
12 Australia
8 Italy, Wales
7 England
5 France
4 Canada, Fiji, Ireland, New Zealand
1 Georgia, Russia South Africa
0 Argentina, Namibia, Uruguay

The Main Donors

48 New Zealand
18 England
13 Australia, South Africa
8 Tonga
7 Fiji
6 Ireland

Countries, Foreigners’ birth places and Countries’ Squads

Argentina – 0

All players are born in Argentina.

Argentina Squad
Forwards: Nahuel Tetaz Chapparo, Mayco Vivas, Agustín Creevy, Julián Montoya, Santiago Socino, Juan Figallo, Santiago Medrano, Enrique Pieretto, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Matías Alemanno, Pablo Matera (captain), Tomas Lezana, Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, Juan Manuel Leguizamon
Backs: Tomás Cubelli, Felipe Ezcurra, Nicolás Sánchez, Benjamin Urdapilleta, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Matías Orlando, Matías Moroni, Lucan Mensa, Juan Cruz Mallia, Ramiro Moyano, Bautista Delguy, Emiliano Boffelli, Joaquín Tuculet

Australia – 12

Samu Kerevi – Viseisei, Fiji
Tevita Kuridrani – Suva, Fiji
Marika Koroibete, Fiji
Isireli Naisarani- Naqali, Naitasiri, Fiji
Lukhan Lealaiauloto Tui – Auckland, New Zealand
Christian Leali’ifano – Auckland, New Zealand
Jordan Uelese – Wellington, New Zealand
Tolu Latu – Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Taniela Tupou – Tonga – schools Sarede Heart, Auckland, New Zealand
David Pocock – Gweru, Zimbabwe
Will Genia – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Dane Haylett-Perry – Durban, South Africa

Australia Squad
Forwards: Isi Naisarani, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper (captain), David Pocock, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Sekope Kepu, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Tolu Latu, Folau Fainga’a, Jordan Uelese
Backs: Kurtley Beale, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jordan Petaia, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi, Matt To’omua, Christian Leali’ifano, Bernard Foley, Nic White, Will Genia

Canada – 4

DTH van der Merwe – Worcester, South Africa,
Gordon McRorie – Hong Kong
Peter Nelson – Dungannon, Ireland
Shane O’Leary – Cork, Ireland

Canada Squad
Forwards: Tyler Ardron (captain), Kyle Baillie, Justin Blanchet, Hubert Buydens, Luke Campbell, Matt Heaton, Eric Howard, Jake Ilnicki, Cole Keith, Conor Keys, Evan Olmstead, Benoît Piffero, Andrew Quattrin, Lucas Rumball, Djustice Sears-Duru, Mike Sheppard, Matt Tierney

Backs: Nick Blevins, Andrew Coe, Jeff Hassler, Ciaran Hearn, DTH van der Merwe, Ben LeSage, Jamie Mackenzie, Phil Mack, Gordon McRorie, Peter Nelson, Shane O’Leary, Pat Parfrey, Taylor Paris, Conor Trainor

England – 7

Willi Heinz – Christchurch, New Zealand
Mako Vunipola – Wellington, New Zealand
Joe Cokanasiga: Cokanasiga – Fiji
Manu Tuilagi – Samoa
Fogapoa Savai’i, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Sam Underhill – Dayton, Ohio, United States
Billy Vunipola – Brisbane Australia

England Squad
Forwards: Dan Cole, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Jack Singleton, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Mark Wilson
Backs: Joe Cokanasiga, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell (captain), George Ford, Piers Francis, Willi Heinz, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, Ruaridh McConnochie, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs

Fiji – 4

Ben Volavola – Sydney, Australia
Campese Ma’afu – Sydney, Australia
Sam Matavesi – Camborne, Cornwall, England
Josh Matavesi – Camborne, Cornwall, England

Fiji Squad
Forwards: Campese Ma’afu, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Kalivati Tawake, Mesulame Dolokoto, Samuel Matavesi, Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Tevita Ratuva, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain), Peceli Yato.

Backs: Frank Lomani, Nikola Matawalu, Henry Seniloli, Levani Botia, Jale Vatubua, Ben Volavola, Vereniki Goneva, Filipo Nakosi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, Joshua Matavesi, Alivereti Veitokani, Kini Murimurivalu

France – 5

Peato Mauvaka – Nouméa, New Caledonia
Sébastien Vahaamahina – Nouméa, New Caledonia
Sofiane Guitoune – Algiers, Algeria
Alivereti Raka – Nakorovatu, Naitasiri, Fiji
Bernard le Roux – Moorreesburg, South Africa

France Squad
Backs: Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Sofiane Guitoune, Yoann Huget, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud, Maxime Medard, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud, Alivereti Raka, Thomas Ramos, Baptiste Serin, Virimi Vakatawa.
Forwards: Gregory Alldritt, Cyrill Baille, Demba Bamba, Yacouba Camara, Camille Chat, Paul Gabrillagues, Guilhem Guirado (captain), Arthur Iturria, Wenceslas Lauret, Charles Ollivon, Bernard Le Roux, Peato Mauvaka, Jefferson Poirot, Louis Picamoles, Emerick Setiano, Rabah Slimani, Sebastien Vahaamahina.

Georgia – 1

Merab Sharikadze – Moscow, Russia

Georgia Squad
Forwards: Mikheil Nariashvili, Guram Gogichashvili, Shalva Mamukashvili, Jaba Bregvadze, Vano Karkadze, Levan Chilachava, Giorgi Melikidze, Beka Gigashvili, Giorgi Nemsadze, Shalva Sutiashvili, Mamuka Gorgodze, Kote Mikautadze, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Lasha Lomidze, Otar Giorgadze, Beka Gorgadze, Beka Saghinadze
Backs: Sandro Todua, Soso Matiashvili, Mirian Modebadze, Zurab Dzneladze, Davit Katcharava, Merab Sharikadze, Tamaz Mtchedlidze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Lasha Malaghuradze, Lasha Khmaladze, Tedo Abzhandadze, Giorgi Begadze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Gela Aprasidze

Ireland – 4

Jean Kleyn – Linden, Johannesburg, South Africa
CJ Stander – George, South Africa
Joey Carbery – Auckland, New Zealand
Bundee Aki – Auckland, New Zealand

Ireland Squad
Forwards: Rory Best (captaon), Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Sean Croni, Tadhg Furlong , Cian Healy, Dave Kilcoyne, Iain Henderson, Jean Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Porter, Rhys Ruddock, James Ryan, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier.
Backs: Bundee Aki, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw , Rob Kearneym, Jordan Larmour, Luke McGrath, Conor Murray, Garry Ringrose, Jonathan Sexton, Jacob Stockdale

Italy – 8

Callum Braley – Bristol, England
Jake Polledri – Bristol, England
Jayden Hayward – , Hawera, New Zealand
Dean Budd – Whangarei, New Zealand
Sebastian Negri – Marondera, Zimbabwe
Sergio Parisse – La Plata, Argentina
David Sisi – Rinteln, Germany
Abraham Steyn – Cradock, South Africa

Italy Squad
Forwards: Simone Ferrari, Andrea Lovotti, Tiziano Pasquali, Nicola Quaglio, Marco Riccioni, Federico Zani, Luca Bigi, Oliviero Fabiani, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Dean Budd, Federico Ruzza, David Sisi, Alessandro Zanni, Maxime Mbanda, Sebastian Negri, Sergio Parisse (captain) Jake Polledri, Abraham Steyn
Backs: Callum Braley, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tito Tebaldi, Tommaso Allan, Carlo Canna, Tommaso Benvenuti, Michele Campagnaro, Luca Morisi, Mattia Bellini, Giulio Bisegni, Jayden Hayward, Matteo Minozzi, Edoardo Padovani

Japan – 15

Lomano Lemeki – Auckland, New Zealand
Will Tupou – Auckland, New Zealand
Luke Thompson – Christchurch, New Zealand
Michael Leitch – Christchurch, New Zealand
Hendrik Tui – Auckland, New Zealand
Ataata Moeakiola – Tonga
Uwe Helu – Tonga
Amanaki Mafi – Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Asaeli Valu – Tonga
Lappies Labuschagne – Pretoria, South Africa
Wimpie van der Walt – Brits, South Africa
Kotaro Matsushima – Pretoria, South Africa
Timothy Lafaele – Samoa
James Moore – Australia
Jiwon Koo – South Korea

Japan Squad
Forwards: Michael Leitch (capt), Keita Inagaki, Yusuke Kizu, Jiwon Koo, Isileli Nakajima, Asaeli Valu, Takuya Kitade, Atsushi Sakate, Shota Horie, Luke Thompson, Wimpie van der Walt, Uwe Helu, James Moore, Hendrik Tui, Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Lappies Labuschagne, Kazuki Himeno, Amanaki Mafi.
Backs: Kaito Shigeno, Fumiaki Tanaka, Yutaka Nagare, Yu Tamura, Rikiya Matsuda, Kenki Fukuoka, Ataata Moeakiola, Lomano Lemeki, William Tupou, Ryoto Nakamura, Timothy Lafaele, Kotaro Matsushima, Ryohei Yamanaka.

New Zealand – 4

Sevu Reece – Nadi, Fiji
Vaea Fifita – Vava’u, Tonga
Ofa Tu’ungafasi – Tonga
Nepo Laulala – Samoa

New Zealand Squad
Forwards: Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell , Kieran Read (captain), Ardie Savea, Matt Todd.
Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Ben Smith.

Namibia – 0

Namibia Squad
Forwards: André Rademeyer, Nelius Theron, Desiderius Sethie, AJ de Klerk, Johannes Coetzee, Obert Nortje, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Tjiuee Uanivi, Johan Retief, Thomasau Forbes, Rohan Kitshoff, Max Katjijeko, Prince Gaoseb, Wian Conradie, PJ van Lill, Adriaan Booysen, Janco Venter.
Backs: Cliven Loubser, Helarius Kisting, Damian Stevens, Eugene Jantjies, Darryl de la Harpe, Johan Deysel (captain), Justin Newman, JC Greyling, Johann Tromp, Chad Plato, Lesley Klim, Janry du Toit, PJ Walters

Russia – 1

Igor Galinovskiy – Baku, Azerbaijan

Russia Squad
Forwards: Azamat Bitiev, Andrey Garbuzov, Kirill Gotovtsev, Victor Gresev, Bogdan Fedotko, Vitaliy Zhivatov, Evgeny Matveev, Andrey Polivalov, Vladimir Podrezov, Evgeny Yelgin, Stanislav Selsky, Nikita Vavilin, Sergey Chernyshev, Tagir Gadzhiev, Roman Khodin, Andrei Ostrikov, Valery Morozov, Anton Sychev
Backs: Vasily Artemyev (captain), Igor Galinovsky, Kirill Golosnitsky, Vasily Dorofeev, Yuri Kushnarev, German Davydov, Dmitry Perov, Vladislav Sozonov, Dmitry Gerasimov, Ramil Gaysin, Denis Simplikevich, Vladimir Ostroushko, Sergey Yanyushkin

Samoa – 19

Tim Nanai Williams – Auckland, New Zealand
Jack Lam – Hamilton, New Zealand
Chris Vui – New Zealand
Kane Leaupepe – Wellington, New Zealand
Teofilo Paulo – Auckland, New Zealand
Seilala Lam – Hamilton, New Zealand
Josh Tyrell – Hamilton, New Zealand
Piula Fa’asalele – Wellington, New Zealand
Paul Alo-Emile – Auckland, New Zealand
Motu Matu’u – Wellington, New Zealand
Ray Niuia – New Zealand
Kieron Fonotia – Christchurch, New Zealand
Paul Alo Emile – Auckland, New Zealand
Belgium Tuatagaloa – Auckland, New Zealand
Dwayne Polataivao – New Zealand
Michael Alaalatoa – Sydney, Australia
Senio Toleafoa – Westmead, Australia
Ulupano Seutini – Adelaide, Australia

Melani Matavao is the only player in Samoa’s World Cup squad who plays his rugby in Samoa.

Samoa Squad
Forwards: Afaesetiti Amosa, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam (captain), Piula Fa’asalele, Josh Tyrell, Chris Vui, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Leaupepe, Senio Toleafoa, Michael Alaalatoa, Paul Alo-Emile, James Lay, Jordan Lay, Logovi’i Mulipola, Motu Matu’u, Ray Niuia, Seilala Lam
Backs: Ed Fidow, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Henry Taefu, Alapati Leiua, Reynold Lee-Lo, Kieron Fonotia, AJ Atatimu, Tusi Pisi, Ulupano Seuteni, Dwayne Polotaivao, Melani Matavao, Pele Cowley

Scotland – 14

Hamish Watson – Manchester, England
Ryan Wilson – Aldershot, England
Ali Price – King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England
Chris Harris – Carlisle, England
Duncan Taylor – Northampton, England
Simon Berghan – Christchurch, New Zealand
Blade Thomson – Auckland, New Zealand
Sean Maitland – Tokoroa, New Zealand
Allan Dell – Humansdorp, South Africa
WP Nel – Loeriesfontein, South Africa
Ben Toolis – Brisbane, Australia
Sam Johnson – Dysart, Australia
John Barclay – Hong Kong
Tommy Seymour – Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Scotland Squad
Forwards: John Barclay, Simon Berghan, Fraser Brown, Scott Cummings, Allan Dell, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Stuart McInally (captain), Willem Nel, Gordon Reid, Jamie Ritchie, Blade Thomson, Ben Toolis, George Turner, Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson.

Backs: Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Adam Hastings, Stuart Hogg, George Horne, Pete Horne, Sam Johnson, Blair Kinghorn, Greig Laidlaw, Sean Maitland, Ali Price, Finn Russell, Tommy Seymour, Duncan Taylor.

South Africa – 1

Tendai Mtawarira – Harare, Zimbabwe

South Africa Squad
Forwards: Schalk Brits, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Steven Kitshoff, Tendai Mtawarira, RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (captain), Kwagga Smith, Francois Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen
Backs: Willie le Roux, Warrick Gelant, Cheslin Kolbe, Sbu Nkosi, Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Frans Steyn, Jesse Kriel, Handré Pollard, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Herschel Jantjies

Tonga – 16

Cooper Vuna – Auckland, New Zealand
Ben Tameifuna – Auckland, New Zealand
Sam Lousi – Auckland, New Zealand
Zane Kapeli – Auckland, New Zealand
Dan Faleafa – Auckland, New Zealand
Leon Fukofuka – Auckland, New Zealand
Nafi Tuitavake – Auckland, New Zealand
Viliami Lolohea – Auckland, New Zealand
Kurt Morath – Auckland, New Zealand
Siale Piutau – Auckland, New Zealand
Telusa Veainu – Kawakawa, New Zealand
Sione Kalamafoni – Kawakawa, New Zealand
Paula Ngauamo – Christchurch, New Zealand
Nasi Manu – Lincoln, New Zealand
Steve Mafi – Fairfield, Australia
Malietoa Hingano – Australia

Tonga Squad
Forwards: Siegried Fisi’ihoi, Vunipola Fifita, Latu Talakai, Paula Ngauamo, Sosefo Sakalia, Siula Maile, Siua Halanukonuka, Ma’afu Fia , Ben Tameifuna, Sam Lousi, Leva Fifita, Steve Mafi, Sione Kalamafoni, Mamaa Vaipulu, Fotu Lokotui, Zane Kapeli, Dan Faleafa, Nasi Manu
Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Leon Fukofuka, Samisoni Fisilau, Kurt Morath, James Faiva, Siale Piutau (captain), Malietoa Hingano, Nafi Tuitavake, Atieli Pakalani, David Halaifonua, Viliami Lolohea, Cooper Vuna, Telusa Veainu

Samisoni Fisilau, Nafi Tuitavake and Viliami Lolohea play in Tonga. The others play in France, England, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Scotland, Wales, Spain and Romania.

Uruguay – o

All born in Uruguay.

Uruguay Squad
Forwards: Facundo Gattas, Joaquín Jaunsolo, Mateo Sanguinetti, Germán Kessler, Guillermo Pujadas, Diego Arbelo, Juan Echeverría, Juan Pedro Rombys, Ignacio Dotti, Manuel Leindekar, Diego Magno, Franco Lamana, Manuel Ardao, Santiago Civetta, Manuel Diana, Juan Manuel Gaminara (capitán), Juan Diego Ormaechea, Alejandro Nieto
Backs: Agustín Ormaechea, Santiago Arata, Felipe Berchesi, Felipe Etcheverry, Juan Manuel Cat, Santiago Vilaseca, Agustín Della Corte, Tomás Inciarte, Federico Favaro, Nicolás Freitas, Leandro Leivas, Gastón Mieres, Rodrigo Silva.

USA – 15

Dylan Fawsitt – Ireland
John Quill – Youghal, Ireland
AJ MacGinty – Dublin Ireland
Paul Mullen – Ireland
Hanco Germishuys – Kimberley, South Africa
Shaun Davies – Durban, South Africa
Ruben De Haas – George, South Africa
James Hilterbrand – Australia
Gregor Peterson – Sydney, Australia
Tony Lamborn – Timaru, New Zealand
Paul Lasike – Auckland, New Zealand
Joe Taufete’e – American Samoa
David Ainu’u – American Samoa
Will Hooley – Cambridge, England
Will Magie – London, England

USA Squad
Forwards: David Ainu’u, Malon Al-Jiboori, Nate Brakeley, Nick Civetta, Cam Dolan, Dylan Fawsitt, Eric Fry, Hanco Germishuys, James Hilterbrand, Olive Kilifi, Tony Lamborn, Titi Lamositele, Ben Landry, Paul Mullen, Gregor Peterson, Ben Pinkelman, John Quill, Joseph Taufeteâe
Backs: Blaine Scully (captain), Nate Augspurger, Marcel Brache, Bryce Campbell, Shaun Davies, Ruben De Haas, Will Hooley, Martin Iosefo, Paul Lasike, AJ MacGinty, Will Magie, Thretton Palamo, Mike Teâo

Wales – 8

Jake Ball – England
Tomas Francis – England
Ross Moriarty – England
Aaron Shingler – Aldershot, England
Hallam Amos – Stockport, England
Jonathan Davies – England
George North – England
Hadleigh Parkes – New Zealand

Wales Squad
Forwards: Jake Ball, Adam Beard, Rhys Carre, James Davies, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones (captain), Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Ken Owens, Aaron Shingler, Nicky Smith, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Wainwright
Backs: Josh Adams, Hallam Amos, Dan Biggar, Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Hadleigh Parkes, Rhys Patchell, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams