Former England international Nathan Hughes is set to make his Fiji debut this weekend, seven years after his last appearance for England.

The 35-year-old has been named at number eight for Fiji's Nations Championship clash with France in Lyon on Saturday.

Hughes won 22 caps for England between 2016 and 2019 under Eddie Jones, but will now represent the country of his birth.

The Racing 92 forward will start alongside Pita-Gus Sowakula and Kitione Salawa in Fiji's back row.

Nathan Hughes handed second chance

Hughes made his England debut against South Africa in November 2016 after impressing for Wasps in the Premiership.

He later played for Bristol Bears and Bath before continuing his career overseas.

Born in Lautoka, Fiji, Hughes qualifies under World Rugby's eligibility regulations, which allow players to switch nations after a three-year stand-down period, subject to birthright requirements and approval.

His return comes under new Fiji head coach Jake White, who has selected the experienced forward for his second match in charge.

Fiji face France on Saturday before taking on Ireland in Dublin on 14 November and Italy the following weekend.

Hughes is one of several players with England experience preparing to represent another nation this autumn.

Three other England players changing international allegiance

• 🇹🇴 Manu Vunipola (Tonga): The former England U20 fly-half has been named on Tonga's bench against Romania on Friday. The cousin of Billy and Mako Vunipola could make his senior international debut after completing his switch from England.
• 🇮🇪 Kieran Brookes (Ireland XV): The 36-year-old prop won 16 England caps and featured at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He has been selected for Ireland XV against Fiji A on 20 November.
• 🇮🇪 Dan Kelly (Ireland XV): The Munster centre won his only England cap against Canada in 2021. He has also been selected for the Fiji A fixture and could push for a place in Ireland's senior squad.

Both Brookes and Kelly have been selected for Ireland's representative XV rather than the senior Test team.

The developments come amid growing uncertainty over the futures of several England-qualified players, with Max Ojomoh also linked with a move away following his latest international snub.