Former Samoan international cautious over plans to let players represent more than one Test nation

Sir Bill Beaumont is prepared to address the possibility of players from the Pacific Islands being allowed to return to play for their country of birth after being captured by other international teams, such as England or New Zealand.

And although the move will be welcomed by many, Former Samoan lock Dan Leo has refrained from throwing wholehearted support behind Beaumont's idea.

The idea has been regularly been thrown around over the past few years with Beaumont calling for a review of the current regulation which prevents players from representing more than one nation when he released his re-election manifesto on Tuesday ahead of the World Rugby elections.

Such a move would allow a plethora of current and former All Blacks, Wallabies, England, Ireland, Wales and France stars to represent the likes of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga on the international stage.

Leo – who played 42 times for Samoa between 2005 and 2014 and is now chief executive of Pacific Rugby Players Welfare – told The Times that although he backs Beaumont’s comments, he wouldn’t get carried away until the concept comes to fruition.

“To have a player like Charles Piutau coming back would have an immediate impact. Three or four of those sorts of players coming back changes the outlook of your whole team. And then, when they are back, it would attract sponsors too,” Leo said.

“I totally support Bill in this, but I am reluctant to get too excited about a promised review; I’d be more excited if there was a promise of change. This regulation has been reviewed in the past and this is still where we are.”

Should his new initiative come into play, the Pacific Island nations could be able to select a multitude of seasoned internationals from around the globe.

Former All Blacks Waisake Naholo and Seta Tamanivalu could represent Fiji with the likes England representatives Nathan Hughes and Semesa Rokoduguni, Wallabies pair Henry Speight and Samu Kerevi and French duo Noa Nakaitaci and Virimi Vakatawa.

Jerome Kaino, Victor Vito, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, Lima Sopoaga, Julian Savea and Ma’a Nonu could all represent Samoa with Manu Tuilagi, Bundee Aki, Will Skelton, Christian Lealiiafano, Joe Tomane and Ben Te’o also becoming available for Samoa.

Tonga could get a massive boost with the likes of  Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, Augustine Pulu, Taulupe Faletau, Amanaki Mafi, Tolu Latu, Sekope Kepu and Taniela Tupou.