Celebrity Fan Web – Former England fly-half Jacob Umaga has been named in Samoa’s national squad for the first time. The 26-year-old playmaker qualifies to represent the Pacific Island nation through his father, Mike Umaga, a former Samoa international. Jacob previously earned one England cap in 2021 but is now eligible for Samoa under revised World Rugby rules. He will join Samoa’s 35-man squad ahead of their summer fixtures, including a July Test against Scotland and the Pacific Nations Cup in August.
The talented fly-half made his senior England debut against the United States in July 2021. He had first entered the England setup in 2020 as an apprentice under former head coach Eddie Jones. However, after a three-year absence from international rugby, he becomes eligible to switch nations. His inclusion reflects Samoa’s strategy to strengthen their squad by drawing on players with Pacific heritage who have represented other countries.
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Career Revival at Benetton Treviso After Wasps Collapse
Umaga’s international reemergence follows a career revival in Italy. He joined Benetton Treviso in 2022 after Wasps went into administration and were expelled from English rugby. Since then, he has played a key role for the Italian side in the United Rugby Championship. During the 2024–2025 season, Benetton finished 10th, and Umaga was instrumental in guiding the team with his creativity and game management.
His move to Italy has allowed him to reset his professional career and attract attention on the international stage. At Benetton, Umaga has consistently started at fly-half, showcasing his vision, kicking range, and defensive resilience. His form has not only helped the club remain competitive in Europe but has also made him a valuable addition to Samoa’s Test ambitions.
New Eligibility Rules Open Doors for Dual-Qualified Players
Umaga’s switch is possible due to a 2022 change in World Rugby’s eligibility rules. The amendment allows players to represent a second nation after a three-year stand-down period from international matches. The rule applies only if players, like Umaga, have a close family connection—such as a parent or grandparent born in the second country.
The rule change has already benefited several Pacific nations, which have historically lost talent to Tier 1 teams. Players who once represented New Zealand, Australia, or England can now return to their roots and play for countries like Samoa, Tonga, or Fiji. This has the potential to significantly enhance the competitive balance in international rugby, especially in tournaments like the Pacific Nations Cup and Rugby World Cup.
Rugby Heritage Runs Deep in the Umaga Family
Jacob Umaga’s rugby roots run deep. He was born in Halifax, England, where his father Mike was playing rugby league after moving from Samoa. Mike later switched to rugby union, playing for Rotherham and coaching various English clubs. Jacob’s uncle is Tana Umaga, the former All Blacks captain and legendary New Zealand centre.
This family background gave Jacob exposure to elite rugby from a young age. He rose through the Wasps academy and quickly became one of their standout young talents. With natural flair, game intelligence, and solid fundamentals, he developed into a key figure in the Wasps backline before the club’s unfortunate financial collapse in 2022.
Samoa Eyes Strong Test Campaign with Reinforced Squad
Samoa has assembled a 35-man squad in preparation for a challenging international schedule. The team will first face Scotland in Auckland this July. This will be followed by their participation in the Pacific Nations Cup, where they will compete against other top sides from the region, including Fiji, Tonga, and Japan.
Jacob Umaga’s inclusion brings added depth and experience to the squad. His exposure to international rugby and top-tier club competition in Europe will be vital. Samoa will be aiming to build a strong foundation ahead of the next Rugby World Cup cycle, and players like Umaga can play a central role in achieving that goal.