A Six Nations star could have been representing England rather than Italy on Saturday if Steve Borthwick hadn't overlooked him. Louis Lynagh, son of Australian rugby union icon Michael, had the choice of representing three nations: England, where he was raised, Australia or Italy, his country of birth.

England appeared to be the most probable path to senior international rugby. Raised in Kew, west London, the winger represented Harlequins and England across multiple age groups. Under Borthwick's predecessor, Australian Eddie Jones, Lynagh came close to earning an England cap, having been a travelling reserve. Four years ago, during the Six Nations, he was nearly selected, with Jones, a friend of his father, offering considerable support.

He told The Times: "I got on with Eddie really well, and owe him quite a bit for, first of all, bringing me into that environment. I was kind of in and out, I'm getting close to the squad, and he said, 'Look, you were really close this week, but we decided to go another way.'"

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Sadly for Lynagh, that discussion occurred during the closing stages of Jones's turbulent tenure. The Australian was dismissed the following December and succeeded by Borthwick, who failed to make contact with him.

Then, after falling out of favour at Harlequins, Lynagh opted for a drastic career change in Italy, joining Benetton and making his debut for Italy two years ago, featuring in victories over Scotland and Wales.

He now lives with his elderly grandfather, his mother's father, in Treviso. It's a turn of events the 25-year-old didn't anticipate four years ago, but one he has wholeheartedly embraced.

He said: "Playing for England was definitely what I saw myself doing. I'm very fortunate I had the opportunity to possibly play for three different nations.

"My mum is fully Italian, so I am half-Italian, and obviously the Australian side is my dad Michael's side, but Italy is the one that happened to be and I couldn't be happier."

Regarding facing Borthwick's team, who have suffered consecutive losses to Scotland and Ireland, Lynagh asserts that Italy are aiming for their first-ever triumph over England. He declared: "We're not just here to have a good time. We're pretty serious [about winning]."