List of players who have converted from one football code to another

There are many footballers who have converted from one football code to another at a professional or representative level. In some cases, the player may also return to the original code, so the traffic is not merely one way.

In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Ireland and Australia, where multiple codes are popular, and the practice of switching codes is relatively common, such players are known as code converts[1] or code hoppers. In Australia, star code converts can have a substantial impact on the games. For instance, Dally Messenger's defection from rugby union to rugby league was considered a pivotal moment in the establishment of the latter over other codes in Australia.[2][3]

Globalisation is increasing the opportunities for players to transfer to different countries and to different professional sports, including the forms of football.

From American football

American football to Association football

NameCountryTop American football levelTop Association football levelAmerican football debutAssociation football debut
Boris ShlapakUSANFL
(Baltimore Colts)
NASL
(Chicago Sting)
19721975

American football to Australian rules football

NameCountryTop American football levelTop Australian rules levelAmerican football debutAustralian rules debut
Dwayne ArmstrongUSANCAA Division I
(Iowa State)
AFL reserves
(Essendon)
19911995
Brandon KaufmanUSANFL
(BuffaloPractice squad)
NEAFL
(Gold Coast)
20132016
Jacinda BarclayUSALegends Football League
(Chicago Bliss)
AFL Women's
(Greater Western Sydney)
20162017
Richelle CranstonAustraliaAustralia, Gridiron Victoria (Geelong Buccaneers)AFL Women's
(Melbourne)(Geelong)(Western Bulldogs)
20152017[4][5][6]

American football to Canadian football

American football and Canadian football are very similar gridiron codes; talented Canadian youth players are often recruited by American universities offering scholarships, and conversely the Canadian Football League enforces roster minimums for Canadian-trained players to prevent its clubs from fielding American-dominated teams. The CFL and NFL competed for the same player pool in their earlier years before the CFL settled into a de facto (and from time to time formal) developmental role to its American counterpart. Dozens of professional players move between these codes' top professional leagues every year, making any attempt at a list incomplete at best.

Two quarterbacks in particular became well known in both codes. Warren Moon, a California native who starred at the University of Washington, began his professional career with the Edmonton Eskimos before crossing the border back south to the Houston Oilers and later Minnesota Vikings, earning Hall of Fame recognition in both professional leagues. Doug Flutie, who authored a comeback win for Boston College considered an iconic moment in the history of American college football, began his professional football career in the USFL before moving on to the NFL, then played a long CFL career that led to him being the first non-Canadian honored with induction to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, before returning to the NFL to close his football career. Dwayne Johnson played college football, and was on practice squad in the Canadian Football League. Ricky Williams played 12 seasons in the National Football League, one season in the Canadian Football League (CFL), and four years of minor league baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies.[7]

American football to rugby league

NameCountryTop American football levelTop rugby league levelAmerican football debutRugby league debut
Manfred MooreUSANational Football League
(San Francisco/Tampa Bay/Oakland)
New South Wales Rugby Football League
(Newtown)
19741977
Philippe GardentFranceNFL
(WashingtonPractice squad)
National League One
(Crusaders)
20062008

American football to rugby union

NameCountryTop American football levelTop rugby union levelTop representation levelAmerican football debutRugby union debut
Richard TarditsFrance,
USA
National Football League
(New England)
Top 14
(Biarritz)
USA (15s)19901994
Dan LyleUSANCAA Division I FCS
(Virginia Military Institute)
English Premiership
(Bath/Leicester)
USA (15s)19881996
Dave HodgesUSANCAA Division III
(Occidental College)
Welsh Premiership
(Llanelli)
USA (15s)19881997
Leonard PetersUSANational Football League
(ChicagoPractice squad)
IRB Sevens World Series
(USA)
USA (7s)
USA (15s)
20072009
Perry BakerUSANational Football League
(CincinnatiInjured reserve)
USA (7s)20062010
Carlin IslesUSANational Football League
(DetroitPractice squad)
Pro12
(Glasgow Warriors)
USA (7s)20132014
Nate EbnerUSANational Football League
(New England)
Olympics
(USA)
USA (7s)20122016
Jarryd HayneAustralia,
Fiji
National Football League
(San Francisco)
World Rugby Sevens Series
(Fiji)
Fiji (7s)20152016
Paul LasikeNew ZealandNational Football League
Arizona Cardinals Chicago Bears
Major League Rugby
(Utah Warriors) Premiership Rugby
(Harlequin F.C.)
USA20152018
Psalm WoochingUSA & SamoaNCAA Division I college football
(University of Washington, Washington Huskies)
Major League Rugby
(San Diego Legion)
USA20122018

NB:

  • Isles made the Detroit Lions practice squad late in the 2013 season, after having become a sevens international. However, he never appeared in an NFL game, and has since signed a professional contract in 15s.
  • Tardits switched codes twice: to American football as a young adult, and back to rugby union after a brief NFL career. He played for Biarritz Olympique and the France under-21 national team before switching to American football, and played for the USA national team after returning to his original code.

From association football

Association football to American football

Numerous American football placekickers grew up playing association football (soccer); however, very few have competed at a very high level in their original code. A large number of the first "soccer-style" placekickers of the 1960s, and early 1970s were Europeans and Latin Americans who changed codes in adulthood. Eventually, kickers who changed codes in adulthood were largely, though not completely, displaced by players who were either born and raised in the U.S. or immigrated to the U.S. at a relatively early age, thus receiving more exposure to American football than most of the first soccer-style placekickers.

Most of the women to have played men's American football have crossed over from association football.

NameCountryTop association football levelTop American football levelTop representation level
Phil AlexanderEnglandNorwich City F.C.London MonarchsN/A
Clive AllenEnglandTottenham Hotspur F.C.London MonarchsEngland national football team
Jesús AngoySpainFC BarcelonaBarcelona DragonsN/A
Obed AririNigeriaChicago Sting, P & T Vasco da GamaTampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, 2 othersN/A
Chris BahrUSAPhiladelphia AtomsOakland/LA Raiders, 2 othersN/A
Matt BahrUSAColorado Caribous, Tulsa RoughnecksCleveland Browns, New York Giants, 4 othersN/A
Manfred BurgsmüllerGermanyBorussia Dortmund, Werder BremenRhein FireGermany national football team
Silvio DilibertoNetherlandsSparta, Roda JC, Haarlem, EindhovenAmsterdam Admirals
Toni FritschAustriaRapid ViennaDallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Houston Oilers, New Orleans SaintsAustria national football team (soccer)
Pro Bowl (American football)
Florian KempfUSAPhiladelphia FuryHouston Oilers, New Orleans SaintsN/A
Axel KruseGDR,
Germany
Hansa Rostock, Hertha BSC,
Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart
Berlin ThunderEast Germany national under-21 football team
(soccer)
Josh LamboUSAFC DallasSan Diego ChargersUnited States U20 (soccer)
Toni LinhartAustriaWiener Sport-ClubNew Orleans Saints, Baltimore Colts, New York JetsAustria national football team
Pro Bowl (American football)
Tony MeolaUSAMetroStars, Kansas City WizardsNew York Jets (didn't pass tryouts)US National Team (soccer)
Horst MühlmannGermanyFC Schalke 04, Bonner SC, Kansas City SpursCincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia EaglesN/A
Neil O'DonoghueIrelandShamrock RoversBuffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis CardinalsN/A
Derek SmethurstSouth AfricaChelsea, Millwall, Tampa Bay RowdiesTampa Bay Buccaneers (cut due to injury)N/A (due to apartheid, RSA banned from FIFA, 1964–91)
Liz HeastonUSAWillamette BearcatsWillamette BearcatsFirst female to play college football
Ashley MartinUSAJacksonville State GamecocksJacksonville State GamecocksFirst female to play NCAA football
Devin BarclayUSAMLSOhio State Buckeyes footballN/A
Jon BrownUSALouisville Cardinals men's soccerLouisville Cardinals footballUnited States men's national under-17 soccer team
Julie HarshbargerUSARockford College, Benedictine UniversityChicago PythonsFirst female to score a field goal in professional football

Association football to Australian rules football

Following the establishment of AFL Women's in 2016 (the first professional women's Australian rules football competition), several A-League Women players switched codes as they could augment their earnings in the off-season. Foot skills are advantageous in switching between these codes and goalkeepers have an advantage in marking and ball handling.

NameCountryTop association football levelTop Australian rules levelTop representation levelAssociation Football debutAustralian rules debut
Catherine BrownAustraliaCanberra United (W-League)Hawthorn (AFL Women's)N/A20122022
Jessica WaterhouseAustralia U17Adelaide United (W-League)Adelaide (AFL Women's)N/A20122022
Lulu PullarAustraliaBrisbane Roar (W-League)Brisbane (AFL Women's)N/A20172022
Angelique StannettNew ZealandPerth Glory (W-League)Fremantle (AFL Women's)N/A20152019
Marijana RajcicAustraliaAdelaide United (W-League)Adelaide (AFL Women's)N/A20092018
Emma PittmanAustraliaBrisbane Roar (W-League)Brisbane/Gold Coast (AFL Women's)N/A20122018
Evangeline GoochAustraliaPerth Glory (W-League)Fremantle West Coast (AFL Women's)N/A20152017
Ellie BrushAustraliaCanberra United (W-League)Greater Western Sydney (AFL Women's)Australia (soccer)20082017
Brianna DaveyAustraliaMelbourne Victory (W-League)
Melbourne City (W-League)
Carlton (AFL Women's)Australia (soccer)20102017
Jenna McCormickAustraliaAdelaide United (W-League)
Canberra United (W-League)
Adelaide (AFL Women's)Australia (soccer)20122017
Kristi HarveyAustraliaAdelaide United (W-League)Carlton (VFL Women's)N/A20092017
Peter HalsteadNew ZealandTeam Wellington (New Zealand Football Championship)Wellington Australian Football League (AFL New Zealand)New Zealand (AR)20072016
Broc McCauleyAustraliaQueensland Roar (Brisbane Premier League)Brisbane Lions/Hawthorn Football Club (AFL)N/A20062007
Joanne ButlandAustraliaCanberra Eclipse/QAS Sting (Women's National Soccer League)AFL CairnsAustralia (soccer)
Australia (International rules)
19992003
Brad GreenAustraliaLaunceston United SC (Northern Championship)Melbourne (AFL)N/A (International rules captain)19962000

Association football to Gaelic football

NameCountryTop association football levelTop Gaelic football levelTop representation levelPlaying era
Ciarán LyngIrelandPreston North End F.C., Shrewsbury Town F.C., Ireland underage teamsWexford senior football team2000s
Shane SuppleIrelandIpswich Town F.C., Falkirk F.C.Dublin senior football team2000s
Anthony TohillIrelandDerry City F.C., Manchester United F.C. ReservesDerry senior football team1990s, 2000s

Association football to rugby league

NameCountryTop association football levelTop rugby league levelTop representation levelPlaying era
Ted BatesonEnglandBlackburn RoversWakefield Trinitynone1920s
Albert BroughEnglandBarrow A.F.C.OldhamGreat Britain (RL)1920s

Association football to rugby union

From Australian rules football

Australian rules football to American football

Notably, the specialist role of punter in American football requires similar skills to those found in Australian football players.

Former Australian rules footballer Pat O'Dea was regarded as one of American football's finest punters
NameCountryTop Australian rules levelTop American football levelAustralian rules debutAmerican football debut
Pat O'DeaAustraliaVictoria, Victorian Football Association
(Melbourne)
College football
(Wisconsin–Madison)
18931896
Colin RidgewayAustraliaVictorian Football League reserves
(Carlton)
National Football League
(Dallas)
1960s1965
Darren BennettAustraliaAustralian Football League
(West Coast/Melbourne)
National Football League
(San Diego/Minnesota)
19821995
Nathan ChapmanAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Brisbane/Hawthorn)
National Football League
(Green Bay)
19922004
Ben GrahamAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Geelong)
National Football League
(New York/New Orleans/Arizona/Detroit)
19922005
Saverio RoccaAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Collingwood/North Melbourne)
National Football League
(Philadelphia/Washington)
19922007
Chris BryanAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Carlton/Collingwood)
National Football League
(Green Bay/Tampa Bay/New York)
20052010
Scott HardingAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Brisbane/Port Adelaide)
NCAA Division I
(Hawaii)
20062011
Joel WilkinsonAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Gold Coast)
National Football League
(ArizonaPractice squad)
20112016
Eric WallaceUnited StatesVictorian Football League
(North Ballarat/Werribee)
National Football League
(CarolinaPractice squad)
20132016
Lac EdwardsAustraliaVictorian Football League
(North Ballarat)
National Football League
(New York)
20112016
Jacinda BarclayAustraliaWest Australian Women's Football League
(Swan Districts)
Legends Football League
(Chicago Bliss)
20162017
Cameron JohnstonAustraliaVictorian Football League
(Casey)
National Football League
(Philadelphia)
20112018
Michael DicksonAustraliaNorth East Australian Football League
(Sydney Swans Reserves)
National Football League
(Seattle)
20142018
Ben GriffithsAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Richmond)
NCAA Division I
(University of Southern California)
20102019
Ben LennonAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Richmond)
NCAA Division I
(University of Utah)
20142019
Arryn SipossAustraliaAustralian Football League
(St Kilda)
National Football League
(Detroit Lions)
20112018
Max DuffyAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Fremantle)
NCAA Division I
(University of Kentucky)
20132018
Richelle CranstonNew Zealand/AustraliaAFL Women's
(Melbourne)(Geelong)(Western Bulldogs)
Australian national women's team, Gridiron Victoria (Geelong Buccaneers)20122015[4][5][6]

Australian rules football to association football

International rules participation provides experience with the round ball and goalkeeping.

As well as the players below, players known to have played amateur level soccer after retiring from the AFL include Gary Ablett, James Hird, Gavin Wanganeen,[10] Glenn Manton and Ang Christou.

NameCountryTop Australian rules levelTop association football levelTop representation levelAustralian rules debutAssociation football debut
Peter BevilaquaAustraliaVictorian Football League
(Carlton)
Victorian Premier League
(Brunswick Juventus)
N/A19531954
Fred AgiusAustraliaSouth Australian National Football League
(Central Districts)
National Soccer League
(Adelaide United)
Olyroos (Soccer)20032003
Angelo LekkasAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Hawthorn)
Victorian Premier League
(South Melbourne)
Victoria (AR)
Australia (Inter-rules)
19932005

Australian rules football to Canadian football

Notably, the specialist role of punter in Canadian football requires similar skills to those found in Australian football players.

NameCountryTop Australian rules levelTop Canadian football levelAustralian rules debutCanadian football debut
Josh Bartel[11]AustraliaOvens & Murray Football League
(Wodonga)
Canadian Football League
(Hamilton/Saskatchewan)
2012

Australian rules football to Gaelic football

Tadhg Kennelly reached the highest level in Australian rules football then Gaelic Football, AFL Premiership medallion and a Senior All-Ireland Championship medal, the highest possible team player achievement in both sports.

Some players involved in the Irish Experiment to play professional Australian rules football returned to Ireland and went on to be notable in senior level Gaelic football. Such players have included:

NameCountryTop Australian rules levelTop Gaelic football levelTop representation levelAustralian rules debutGaelic football debut
Paul EarleyIrelandVictorian Football League
(Melbourne)
Gaelic Athletic Association
(Roscommon)
Ireland (Inter-rules)19841985
Dermot McNichollIrelandVictorian Football League
(St Kilda)
Gaelic Athletic Association
(Derry)
Ireland (Inter-rules)19891991
Anthony TohillIrelandAustralian Football League reserves
(Melbourne)
Gaelic Athletic Association
(Derry)
Ireland (Inter-rules)19901991
Brian StynesIrelandAustralian Football League
(Melbourne)
Gaelic Athletic Association
(Dublin)
Ireland (Inter-rules)
Ireland (AR)
19921995
Tadhg KennellyIrelandAustralian Football League
(Sydney)
Gaelic Athletic Association
(Kerry)
Ireland (Inter-rules)20012009
Conor McKennaIrelandAustralian Football League
(Essendon)
Gaelic Athletic Association
(Tyrone)
Ireland (Inter-rules)20152021

Australian rules football to rugby league

Early in the history of the two codes in Australia, players would interchange the codes and even had discussions of merging them into a single game.[12] Rugby league has since evolved to specialise in physicality and body type making it more difficult for successful conversion between the two, although it does sometimes happen at junior level, particularly in areas where both codes are played (such as the Riverina region). Though the modern specialist fullback and wing positions in rugby league can be suitable for the body type and skill of some Australian rules players. League players Darren Lockyer,[13] Glenn Lazarus,[14] Greg Brentnall,[15] Chris Kinna,[16] Eric McCormack,[17] Kevin Proctor,[18] Matt Duffie,[19] Shaun Johnson,[20] Tom Trbojevic,[21][22] Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow,[23] William Warbrick,[24] Kalyn Ponga[25] and Corey Horsburgh[26] all played Aussie Rules at a junior level.

NameCountryTop Australian rules levelTop rugby league levelTop representation levelAustralian rules debutRugby league debut
Eric FrauenfelderAustraliaOMFL (Albury)QRL (Past Brothers)New South Wales (AR)[27]
Queensland (RL)[28]
19181921
Jimmy StiffAustraliaNSWAFA (South Sydney)NSWRL (South Sydney)New South Wales (AR)19251935[29]
Barry SpringAustraliaQueensland Australian National Football League
(Mayne)
Brisbane Rugby League
(Northern Suburbs)
Queensland (AR)1969[30]
Ray SmithAustraliaQueensland Australian National Football League
(Western Districts)
Brisbane Rugby League
(Fortitude Valley)
Queensland (AR)19631970
Greg BrentnallAustraliaRiverina Football League
(Turvey Park)
New South Wales Rugby League
(Canterbury-Bankstown)
New South Wales U18 (AR)
Australia (RL)
1960s1974[15]
Adrian BarichAustraliaAustralian Football League
(West Coast)
Australian Rugby League reserves
(Western Reds)
New South Wales (AR)
Western Australia (AR)
19871995
Rhan HooperAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Brisbane Lions)
Queensland Rugby League
(Ipswich Jets)
20062012[31]
Josh HallAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Gold Coast)
New South Wales Cup
(Penrith)
20122016
Shem TatupuNew ZealandVictorian Football League
(Box Hill/Hawthorn)
National Rugby League
(Melbourne Storm)
New Zealand (AR)2014-
Haneen ZreikaAustraliaAFLW
(GWS Giants)
NSWRL Women's Premiership
(Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs/South Sydney Rabbitohs)
20182019[32]
Brooke WalkerAustraliaAFLW
(Carlton)
NRLW
(Parramatta Eels)
Victoria (RL)20192020
Paige ParkerAustraliaAFLW
(Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns)
NRLW
(Newcastle Knights)
20192021

Australian rules football to rugby union

Karmichael Hunt in the AFL, who shocked fans of rugby league, Australian rules and rugby union with a highly successful 3-way code switch

Jason Akermanis was the first professional Australian football player to suggest a switch to rugby union.[33] Nevertheless, there are still some positions and roles that have commonalities.[34] Also at amateur level, conversion is quite common, as in the case of many start-up Australian rules clubs in countries such as France[35] and countries such as New Zealand, Samoa and Papua New Guinea where there are dual-internationals at junior level.

NameCountryTop Australian rules levelTop rugby union levelTop representation levelAustralian rules debutRugby union debut
George CoulthardAustraliaVictorian Football Association
(Carlton)
Waratah (NSWRU)Victoria (AR)18741877
George Henry PritchardAustraliaQueensland Football Association
(Brisbane)
Queensland Football Association
(Brisbane)
Queensland (AR), Queensland (RU)18761877
Alec Boswell TimmsAustralia
Scotland
Victorian Football Association
(Geelong)
Edinburgh University[36][37]Scotland (RU)
British Isles (RU)
18921896
Ray MillingtonAustraliaVictorian Football League
(Fitzroy)
Shute Shield
(Randwick DRUFC)
19521954[38]
Nick EvansNew ZealandNew Zealand
(Under 21)
Super 12
(Highlanders)
New Zealand (AR)
New Zealand (RU)
20012004
Rambo TavanaSamoaAFL International Cup
(Samoa Bulldogs)
Top 14
(SU Agen)
Samoa (AR)
Samoa (RU)
20022006
Mikaele PesaminoSamoaAFL International Cup
(Samoa Bulldogs)
National Provincial Championship
(Auckland)
Samoa (AR)
Samoa (RU/7s)
20022007
Israel FolauAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Greater Western Sydney)
Super Rugby
(New South Wales)
Australia (RU)20112013
Stanis SusuvePapua New GuineaVictorian Football League
(Gold Coast)
World Rugby Sevens Series
(Papua New Guinea (Pukpuks))
Papua New Guinea (AR)
Papua New Guinea (RU/7s)
20092014
Karmichael HuntAustraliaAustralian Football League
(Gold Coast)
Super Rugby
(Queensland)
Australia (RU)20112015
Sam DicksonNew ZealandNew ZealandNew Zealand (7s) 2016 Summer OlympicsNew Zealand (AR)
New Zealand (7s)
20112016[39]
Yoshi HarrisNauruAustralian Football League
(GWS)
Nauru (7s)Nauru (AR),
Nauru (7s)
20122019
William WarbrickNew ZealandNew ZealandNew Zealand (7s) (Olympics)New Zealand (AR)
New Zealand (7s)
20122019
Kurt HeatherleyNew ZealandAustralian Football League
(Hawthorn)
National Provincial Championship(Auckland)/RFU Championship
Jersey Reds)
New Zealand (AR)20142019
Maddison LeviAustraliaAFLW
(Gold Coast)
Australia (7s) (Olympics)
Women's Uni 7s Series
(Bond University)
Australia (7s)20212021

From Canadian football

Canadian football to American football

As discussed above, Canadian and American football are highly similar gridiron codes. Dozens if not hundreds of players and coaches move back and forth between Canadian and American codes every season and occasionally even within a season, making assembling a list of these players an impossible and largely immaterial task.

From Gaelic football

Gaelic football is especially vulnerable to code-switching, for reasons outlined by rugby union journalist Hugh Farrelly in 2009:

The parochialism that is the GAA's greatest strength (every village in Ireland has a local team) is also its Achilles heel for, with no viable international outlet, the Association is vulnerable to other sports. Furthermore, a strict adherence to its amateur code means talented youngsters can be lured away from the game they grew up with... by the prospect of pay for play....[40]

Gaelic football to association football

NameCountryTop Gaelic football levelTop association football levelTop representation level
Jack KirwanIrelandAll-Ireland Championship winner with DublinFA Cup winner with Tottenham Hotspur F.C.Ireland
Val HarrisIrelandAll-Ireland Championship winner with DublinLeague of Ireland winner and Irish Cup winner with Shelbourne F.C.;
Football League First Division with Everton F.C.
Ireland,
Irish Free State
Con MartinIrelandLeinster Championship winner with DublinFootball League First Division with Leeds United A.F.C. and Aston Villa F.C.Ireland (FAI),
Ireland (IFA)
Martin O'NeillNorthern IrelandDerry minor teamFootball League First Division winner and European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest. Former manager of the Republic of Ireland national football teamNorthern Ireland
Kevin MoranIrelandAll-Ireland Championship winner with DublinFootball League First Division with Manchester United F.C.Republic of Ireland
Niall QuinnIrelandDublin minor teamPremiership with Arsenal F.C., Manchester City F.C. and Sunderland A.F.C.Republic of Ireland
Neil LennonNorthern IrelandArmagh minor teamScottish Premier League winner with Celtic F.C.Northern Ireland
Kevin DoyleIrelandWexford minor teamPremiership with Reading F.C. and Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.Republic of Ireland
Shane LongIrelandTipperary minor teamPremiership with Reading F.C., West Bromwich Albion F.C, Hull City A.F.C. and Southampton F.C.Republic of Ireland
Cillian SheridanIrelandCavan minor teamUEFA Champions League with APOEL F.C.Republic of Ireland
Niall McGinnNorthern IrelandTyrone U-21s[41]Scored for Northern Ireland at UEFA Euro 2016[42]Northern Ireland
Michael O'NeillNorthern IrelandAntrim minor team Current manager of the Northern Ireland national football teamNorthern Ireland

Ladies' Gaelic football to association football

Several ladies Gaelic footballers, including All-Ireland finalists, Niamh Fahey and Sarah Rowe, have gone on to represent the Republic of Ireland women's national association football team.[43]

Numerous ladies Gaelic footballers have played women's association football at a senior level. Some, including All-Ireland finalists Niamh Fahey and Sarah Rowe, have gone on to play for the Republic of Ireland women's national football team. [43]

Player Gaelic football Association football
Amber BarrettDonegalRepublic of Ireland
Megan ConnollyCork (Note 1)Republic of Ireland
Marie CurtinLimerickRepublic of Ireland
Niamh Fahey [43]GalwayRepublic of Ireland
Dora GormanGalwayRepublic of Ireland
Ciara GrantDonegalRepublic of Ireland
Una HarkinDerryNorthern Ireland
Siobhán KilleenDublinRepublic of Ireland
Kirsty McGuinnessAntrimNorthern Ireland
Valerie MulcahyCorkRepublic of Ireland (Note 2)
Sarah Rowe [43]MayoRepublic of Ireland
Julie-Ann RussellGalwayRepublic of Ireland
Nora StapletonDonegalUCD
Cora StauntonMayoMayo Ladies League
Hannah TyrrellDublinSt Catherine's/Shamrock Rovers
Notes

Gaelic football to Australian rules football

Statue of Jim Stynes, the most decorated player to switch from Gaelic football to Australian Rules

These two codes share many similarities, making switching between them relatively easy. International rules representation for players of both codes is common. The Gaelic Athletic Association prohibits professionalism, meaning that there is a financial lure for players to compete in the professional elite Aussie Rules competitions in Australia.[44]

NameCountryTop Gaelic levelTop Australian rules levelTop representation levelGaelic football debutAustralian rules debut
Sean WightIreland[45]Kerry minor (Under-18)AFLNA19821985
Paul EarleyIrelandGaelic Athletic AssociationAFLNA19821984
Dermot McNichollIrelandDerry All-Ireland winner 1993AFLNA19801990
Brian StynesIrelandDublin All-Ireland winner 1995AFLIreland (Inter-rules)
Ireland (AR)
198?1992
Jim StynesIrelandDublin All-Ireland (Minor) winner 1994AFL
(Brownlow Medallist)
Ireland (Inter-rules)19841987
Tadhg KennellyIrelandKerry All-Ireland winner 2009AFL premiership 2005Ireland (Inter-rules)2001
Colm BegleyIrelandLaois GAAAFLIreland (Inter-rules)2006
Martin ClarkeIrelandDown All-Ireland (Minor) winner 2005AFLIreland (Inter-rules)2005
Pearce HanleyIrelandMayo GAAAFLIreland (Inter-rules)2008
Michael QuinnIrelandGaelic Athletic AssociationAFLN/A2009
Kevin DyasIrelandArmagh GAAAFLN/A2009
Jamie O'ReillyIrelandDown GAAAFLN/A2010
Zach TuohyIrelandLaois GAAAFL premiership 2022Ireland (Inter-rules)2011
Caolan MooneyIrelandDown GAAAFLN/A2012
Tommy WalshIrelandKerry All-Ireland winner 2007 & 2009AFLIreland (Inter-rules)2012
Ciarán ByrneIrelandLouth GAAAFLIreland (Inter-rules)2014
Patrick BrophyIrelandKildare GAAAFLIreland (Inter-rules)2015
Conor McKenna Ireland Tyrone GAA AFL Ireland (Inter-rules) 2015
Mark O'ConnorIrelandKerry All-Ireland minor winner 2015 & 2016AFLN/A2017

Ladies' Gaelic football to Australian rules football

Currently on an AFL senior list
Ladies' Gaelic football players in the AFLW
Player Gaelic football AFLW team AFLW debut Notes
Yvonne BonnerDonegalGreater Western Sydney2019
Ailish ConsidineClareAdelaide2019
Joanne DoonanFermanaghCarlton2020
Laura DuryeaCavanMelbourne2017First Irish player to play in AFLW. First AFLW player to represent Ireland in Australian rules.
Clara FitzpatrickDownSt Kilda2020
Kate FloodLouthFremantle2019
Aileen GilroyMayoNorth Melbourne2020
Sinéad GoldrickDublinMelbourne2020
Katy HerronDonegalWestern Bulldogs2020
Grace KellyMayoWest Coast2020
Niamh KellyMayoWest Coast2020
Aisling McCarthyTipperaryWestern Bulldogs2019
Niamh McEvoyDublinMelbourne2020
Orla O'DwyerTipperaryBrisbane2020
Sarah RoweMayoCollingwood2019
Aishling SheridanMayoCollingwood2019
Mairéad SeoigheGalwayNorth Melbourne
Bríd StackCorkGreater Western Sydney2021
Cora StauntonMayoGreater Western Sydney2018First Irish player actively recruited to AFLW[46][47][48]
Áine TigheLeitrimFremantle
Bree WhiteLondonCollingwood2017

Source:[49][50]

Gaelic football to rugby league

NameCountryTop Gaelic football levelTop rugby league levelTop representation levelGaelic football debutRugby league debut
Brian CarneyIrelandGaelic Athletic Association
(Valleymount)
Super League
(Gateshead/Hull/Wigan)
Ireland (RL)
Great Britain (RL)
19981999

Gaelic football to rugby union

Up until the mid-1990s, both codes were officially amateur. However, the professionalisation of rugby union has provided a financial lure.

NameCountryTop Gaelic football levelTop rugby union levelTop representation levelPlaying era
Dick SpringIrelandKerry senior teamMunster, London IrishIreland1960s, 1970s
Moss KeaneIrelandUCC GAA, Kerry under-21 teamMunsterIreland, British and Irish Lions1970s, 1980s
David BeggyIrelandMeath senior teamLeinsterN/A1980s, 1990s
Brian RigneyIrelandLocal Team, LaoisLeinsterIreland1980s, 1990s
Mick GalweyIrelandKerry senior teamMunsterIreland1980s, 1990s, 2000s,
Brian CarneyIrelandValleymount junior teamMunsterIreland1990s, 2000s
Shane ByrneIrelandAughrim minor teamLeinster, SaracensIreland, British and Irish Lions1990s, 2000s
Geordan MurphyIrelandKildare minor teamLeicester TigersIreland, British and Irish Lions1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Shane HorganIrelandMeath minor teamLeinsterIreland, British and Irish Lions1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Gavin DuffyIrelandMayo minor teamConnacht, NEC HarlequinsIreland1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Tomás O'LearyIrelandCork minor teamMunster, London IrishIreland2000s, 2010s
Tommy BoweIrelandMonaghan minor teamUlster, OspreysIreland, British and Irish Lions2000s, 2010s
Rob KearneyIrelandLouth minor teamLeinsterIreland, British and Irish Lions2000s, 2010s
Robbie HenshawIrelandWestmeath minor teamConnacht, LeinsterIreland, British and Irish Lions2010s
Tiernan O'HalloranIrelandGalway minor teamConnachtIreland2010s

NB: Byrne and Duffy both changed codes twice. Each first switched to rugby union as a teenager, then returned to Gaelic football after a long professional rugby career. This entry discusses their Gaelic football careers before their first code switch.

Ladies' Gaelic football to rugby union

Lindsay Peat played for Dublin in the 2009, 2010 and 2014 All-Ireland finals before playing for Ireland in the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup. The Ireland squad featured at least six other former ladies' inter-county footballersNiamh Briggs, Claire Molloy, Cliodhna Moloney, Katie Fitzhenry, Nora Stapleton and Hannah Tyrrell.[43][51]

Lindsay Peat played for Dublin in the 2009, 2010 and 2014 All-Ireland finals before playing for Ireland in the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup. The Ireland squad featured at least six other former ladies' inter-county footballers – Niamh Briggs, Claire Molloy, Cliodhna Moloney, Katie Fitzhenry, Nora Stapleton and Hannah Tyrrell. [43][51]

Player Gaelic football Rugby union
Niamh BriggsWaterfordIreland
Katie FitzhenryWexfordIreland
Claire MolloyGalwayIreland
Cliodhna MoloneyGalwayIreland
Lindsay PeatDublinIreland
Nora StapletonDonegalIreland
Hannah TyrrellDublinIreland

Source:[43][51]

From rugby league

Rugby league to American football

Jarryd Hayne, former rugby league great, playing for the San Francisco 49ers during his successful conversion to American Football

On 3 March 2015 Jarryd Hayne became the first rugby league player (that hadn't already played in the NFL) to sign a contract with a National Football League team.[52]

NameCountryTop rugby league levelTop American football levelTop representation levelRugby league debutAmerican football debut
Manfred MooreUSANew South Wales Rugby League
(Newtown)
National Football League
(Minnesota)
N/A19771978
Jarryd HayneAustraliaNational Rugby League
(Parramatta)
National Football League
(San Francisco)
Australia (RL)
Fiji (RL)
20062015
Jordan MailataAustraliaNational Youth Competition
(South Sydney)
National Football League
(Philadelphia)
N/A20172018
Valentine HolmesAustraliaNational Rugby League
(Cronulla)
National Football League
(New York)
Australia (RL)20142019

Rugby league to association football

NameCountryTop rugby league levelTop association football levelTop representation levelPlaying era
Albert BroughEnglandBarrowBarrow A.F.C.1920s

Rugby league to Australian rules football

In addition to the senior players listed below numerous schoolboy rugby league players have made a transition to success at senior Australian rules, including Wayne Carey,[53] Paul Kelly,[54] Kieren Jack,[55] Andrew McLeod,[56] Jared Brennan,[56] Matthew Whelan,[56] and Sam Gilbert.[57]

NameCountryTop rugby league levelTop Australian rules levelTop representation levelRugby league debutAustralian rules debut
Ray Smith[58]AustraliaBrisbane Rugby League
(Fortitude Valley)
Victorian Football League[59]
(Essendon/Melbourne)
Queensland (RL)
Queensland (AR)
19701971
Joe Buboi[60][61]Papua New GuineaKumuls (captain)Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea national rugby league team (RL) (captain)
Papua New Guinea (AR) (captain)
19701973
Michael McLean[56]AustraliaNorthern Territory Rugby League
(Nightcliff Dragons)
Australian Football League
(Footscray/Brisbane)
Aboriginal All-Stars (AR)19801983
Fabian FrancisAustraliaNorthern Territory Rugby League
(Litchfield)
Australian Football League
(Melbourne/Brisbane/Port Adelaide)
Northern Territory (RL)
Aboriginal All-Stars (AR)
19921993
Andriu SucuNew ZealandAuckland Rugby League
(Northcote)
New ZealandNew Zealand (AR)20002005
Israel FolauAustraliaNational Rugby League
(Melbourne/Brisbane)
Australian Football League
(Greater Western Sydney)
Australia (RL)20072010
Ben Barba[62]AustraliaNational Rugby League
(Canterbury/Brisbane/Cronulla)
AFL Mackay
(Eastern Mackay) / North Queensland
Australia (RL)20082020
Tom Robertson[63]AustraliaJersey Flegg Cup
(Canberra Raiders)
AFL Canberra
(Eastlake)
20202021

Rugby league to rugby union

While the traffic used to be almost entirely from rugby union to rugby league, the tide has now turned the other way, and numerous rugby league players have gone over to union, since the game was professionalised.

NameCountryTop rugby league levelTop rugby union levelTop representation levelRugby league debutRugby union debut
Ben BarbaAustraliaNational Rugby LeagueTop 14Australia (RL)20082017
Josh CharnleyEnglandSuper LeaguePremiership RugbyEngland (RL)20102016
Sam BurgessEnglandNational Rugby League, Super LeaguePremiership RugbyEngland (RL), Great Brittan (RL), NRL All-Stars (RL), England (RU)20062014
Reece RobinsonLebanon, AustraliaNational Rugby LeagueSuper RugbyLebanon (RL), Indigenous All-Stars (RL)20082016
Matt DuffieNew ZealandNational Rugby LeagueSuper RugbyNew Zealand (RL), New Zealand (RU)20102016
Karmichael HuntNew Zealand, AustraliaNational Rugby LeagueTop 14, Super RugbyAustralia (RL), Australia (RU)20042009
Chris AshtonEnglandSuper LeagueEnglish PremiershipEngland (RL), England (RU)20052007
Lee SmithEnglandSuper LeagueEnglish PremiershipEngland (RL), Great Britain (RL)20052009
Berrick BarnesAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RU)20052006
Nathan BlacklockAustraliaNRL/Super LeagueSuper 12Australia (RL)19952003
Willie CarneAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RL)19901997
Brian CarneyIrelandSuper League/NRLCeltic LeagueGreat Britain (RL), Ireland (RU)19992007
Ryan CrossAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RU)19982007
Andy FarrellEnglandSuper LeagueEnglish PremiershipGreat Britain (RL), England (RU)19912005
Paul FranzeAustraliaNRLEnglish PremiershipAustralia (RL)20022006
Iestyn HarrisWalesSuper LeagueHeineken Cup, Celtic LeagueGreat Britain (RL), Wales (RU)19932001
Sam HarrisAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralian Schoolboys (RU), City v. Country (RL)20032007
Wise KativerataAustraliaNRLShute ShieldAustralia Sevens (RU)20012004
Ben MacDougallAustraliaNRLCeltic LeagueScotland (RU)19982006
Stephen MylerEnglandSuper LeagueEnglish PremiershipEngland Saxons (RU)20012006
Henry PaulNew ZealandNRLEnglish PremiershipNew Zealand (RL), England (RU)19932001
Jason RobinsonEnglandSuper LeagueEnglish PremiershipGreat Britain (RL), England (RU), British & Irish Lions (RU)19911996
Mat RogersAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RL/RU)19952002
Wendell SailorAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RL/RU)19932002
Clinton SchifcofskeAustraliaNRL/Super LeagueSuper RugbyState of Origin (RL), Australia A (RU)19962006
Timana TahuAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RL/RU)19992008
Alan TaitScotlandSuper LeagueCeltic LeagueScotland (RL/RU), Great Britain (RL), British & Irish Lions (RU)19881996
Brad ThornAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RL), New Zealand (RU)19942001
Lote TuqiriAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RL/RU), Fiji (RL)19992003
Lesley VainikoloEnglandNRL, Super LeagueEnglish PremiershipNew Zealand (RL), England (RU)20022007
Andrew WalkerAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia (RL/RU)19912000
Chev WalkerEnglandSuper LeagueEnglish PremiershipGreat Britain (RL), England Saxons (RU)19992007
Barrie-Jon MatherEnglandRFL Championship/Super LeagueEngland RUGreat Britain (RL), England (RL), England (RU)[64]19921998
Sonny Bill WilliamsNew ZealandNRLTop 14, Super RugbyNew Zealand (RL), New Zealand (RU)20042008
Craig WingAustraliaNRLTop LeagueAustralian Kangaroos (RL), Japan (RU)20022010
Craig GowerAustraliaNRLTop 14Australian Kangaroos (RL), Italy (RU)19962008
Mark GasnierAustraliaNRLTop 14Australian Kangaroos (RL)20002008
Shontayne HapeNew ZealandNRL, Super LeagueEnglish PremiershipNew Zealand Kiwis (RL), England (RU)20032008
Fabrice EstebanezFranceSuper LeagueTop 14France (RL), France (RU)20052010
Tasesa LaveaNew ZealandNRLSuper rugby, Top 14New Zealand Kiwis (RL), Samoa (RU)20002010
Cooper VunaNew ZealandNRLSuper rugbyTonga (RL), Australia (RU), Tonga (RU)20082012
Setaimata SaNew Zealand, SamoaNRL, Super LeagueEnglish PremiershipNew Zealand Kiwis (RL), Samoa (RL), Samoa (RU)20082012
Peter RyanAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyQueensland (RL)19892000
Jarrod SaffyAustraliaNRLSuper RugbyAustralia Sevens (RU)20062011

From rugby union

Rugby union to American football

Rugby union and American football share the same origins, but have evolved into very different games. Both are very physical and require similar body types with high speed and strength.[65]

NameCountryTop rugby union levelTop American football levelTop representation levelPlaying era
Colin ScottsAustraliaAustralian schoolboysNFL, St. Louis CardinalsAustralia1980s
Steve TaskerUnited StatesNorthwestern UniversityNFL, Buffalo BillsPro Bowl1985–1997
Gavin HastingsScotlandInternationalWLAFScotland/British Lions1990s
Gary ParkerScotlandClub (Melrose RFC)WLAFN/A1980s/90s
Gary AndersonSouth AfricaBrettonwood High School, Durban, South AfricaNFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee TitansN/A1982–2004
Richard TarditsFrance,
later USA
Biarritz Olympique, USANFL, Arizona Cardinals, New England PatriotsUSA Rugby1980s/90s
David DixonNew ZealandNew Zealand under-19NFL, Minnesota VikingsNew Zealand1994–2004
Haloti NgataUnited StatesHighland High School, Salt Lake City, UtahNFL, Baltimore RavensN/A2006–2018
Stewart BradleyUnited StatesHighland High School, Salt Lake City, UtahNFL, Philadelphia EaglesN/A2007–2013
Hayden SmithAustraliaPremiership RugbyNFL, New York JetsUSA Rugby2012–2013
Nate EbnerUSAOlympics
(USA)
National Football League
(New England)
USA (7s)2012–
Daniel AdongoKenyaSuper RugbyNFL, Indianapolis Colts2011–2015
Alex GrayEnglandPremiership RugbyNFL, Atlanta Falcons2017–2020
Christian Scotland-WilliamsonEnglandPremiership RugbyNFL, Pittsburgh Steelers2018–2020
Christian WadeEnglandPremiership RugbyNFL, Buffalo Bills2019–
Leki FotuTonga & United StatesHigh school Rugby
Herriman High School
NFL, Arizona Cardinals2020–

Rugby union to association football

NameCountryTop rugby union levelTop association football levelTop representation levelPlaying era
J.W. SutcliffeEnglandBradford F.C./HeckmondwikeBolton Wanderers/Manchester UnitedEngland (both)1880s/1910s
Adam HollowayEnglandHenley Hawks/
Crusaders
Strathcona Terriers FCEngland/New Zealand/Canada2000s
Tony WardIrelandMunster/Ireland/British and Irish LionsShamrock Rovers/Limerick UnitedBritish and Irish Lions1970s and 1980s
Tommy MoroneyIrelandMunsterWest Ham UnitedRepublic of Ireland1940s
Aaron RamseyWalesCaerphilly RFC (youth team)Cardiff City/Arsenal/JuventusWales2000s - 2020s
Henry Renny-TailyourScotlandScotlandRoyal Engineers A.F.C.Scotland1870s, 1880s
Martín TeránArgentinaTucumán Rugby Club, Nacional de ClubesAtlético TucumánArgentina1996–1997
Ted BatesonEnglandYorkshire, Skipton RFCBlackburn RoversYorkshire (RU)1920s

Rugby union to Australian rules football

Tall and athletic, George A. Gillett represented New Zealand in 3 football codes: Rugby Union, Australian Rules and Rugby League between 1899 and 1914

In recent years, several schoolboy rugby union players have made a transition to Australian Rules, including Ray Smith (Queensland Under 19), Jim Stynes, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Aaron Edwards, Adam Campbell (New Zealand Under 15), Daniel Merrett, Brad Moran (West Midlands (England) Under 16) and Tom Williams (Queensland Under 16). In 2012, Canadian Mike Pyke became the first former professional rugby player to win an AFL premiership.

NameCountryTop rugby union levelTop Australian rules levelTop representation levelRugby union debutAustralian rules debut
Andrew StoddartEnglandBritish & Irish LionsGreat BritainBritish & Irish Lions (RU)
Great Britain (AR)
18861888
George A. GillettNew ZealandNew ZealandNew Zealand, Western AustraliaNew Zealand (RU)
New Zealand (AR)
18991908
Mike PykeCanadaTop 14 (France)
(US Montauban)
Australian Football League
(Sydney) premiership
Canada (RU)20022009
Karmichael HuntAustraliaTop 14 (France)
(Biarritz)
Australian Football League
(Gold Coast)
French Barbarians (RU)20092011
Chloe DaltonAustraliaOlympics
(Australia)
AFL Women's
(Carlton)
Australia (RU7s)20142019
Conor NashIrelandLeinster Rugby (Ireland)Australian Football League
(Hawthorn)
Ireland U18 (RU)20162017
Kendra HeilCanadaGuelph GryphonsAFL Women's
(Collingwood Football Club)
Canada (AR)20072016
Brooke WalkerAustraliaWorld Sevens Series
(Australia)
AFL Women's
(Carlton)
Australia (RU7s)20152019
Mhicca CarterAustraliaSuper W
(Force)
AFL Women's
(West Coast)
Australia A (RU)20182019
Courtney HodderAustraliaSuper W
(Force/Reds)
AFL Women's
(Brisbane) premiership
Australia A (RU)20182021

Rugby union to Gaelic football

NameCountryTop rugby union levelTop Gaelic football levelTop representation levelPlaying era
Jarlath FallonIrelandGalwegians, ConnachtTuam Stars senior team, Galway senior teamGalway senior team1990s, 2000s
Shane ByrneIrelandLeinster, Ireland, British and Irish LionsAughrim senior team1990s, 2000s
Eric MillerIrelandLeicester Tigers, Leinster, Barbarians, Ireland, British and Irish LionsBallyboden St. Enda's GAA, Dublin senior teamBarbarians, Ireland, British and Irish Lions1990s, 2000s
Gavin DuffyIrelandConnacht, Harlequins, IrelandSalthill-Knocknacarra senior team, Mayo senior teamIreland2000s, 2010s

Rugby union to rugby league

Statue of Dally Messenger at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in Sydney, whose sensational switch from union to league changed the Australian sporting landscape.

Two of the closest codes, they share many similar skills. Until 1995 union was officially amateur and union players were offered money to switch codes. That trend has since reversed, as rugby union is now richer than rugby league. Conversion from one code to the other is more difficult for forwards than backs, where the skills are most similar. Several players, including Iestyn Harris and Mat Rogers, have converted between the two codes on more than one occasion.

NameCountryTop rugby union levelTop rugby league levelTop representation levelPlaying era
Frano BoticaNew ZealandAll BlacksNZ Kiwis, NRLNew Zealand (RU/RL) Croatia (RU)1980/90s
Charlotte CaslickAustraliaWallaroosNRL Women's PremiershipAustralia (RU/RL)2010/20s
Ellia GreenAustraliaWallaroosNRL Women's PremiershipAustralia (RU/RL)2010/20s
Michael ClearyAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RU/RL)1960s
Ryan CrossAustraliaWallabiesNRLAustralian Schoolboys (RU)2000s
Arthur DanielsWalesClub (Llanelli)Rugby Football League ChampionshipWales/Great Britain (RL)1940s/50s
Jonathan DaviesWalesWelsh Premier DivisionSuper LeagueWales/Great Britain (RL) Wales (RU)1980s/90s
Marc EllisNew ZealandAll BlacksNRLNew Zealand (RU/RL)1990s
Rocky ElsomAustraliaWallabiesJuniorAustralia (RU)2000s
George FairbairnScotlandSRU national league/Kelso RFCRugby Football League ChampionshipGreat Britain1970/80s
Russell FairfaxAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RU)1970s
Ray FrenchEnglandEnglandRugby Football League ChampionshipGreat Britain
John GallagherNew ZealandAll BlacksSuper LeagueNew Zealand (RU)1980s
Scott GibbsWalesWelsh Premier DivisionSuper LeagueWales/Great Britain (RL/RU)1990s
Scott GourleyAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RU/RL)1980s
Daryl HalliganNew ZealandNPCNZ KiwisNew Zealand (RL)1990s
Sam HarrisAustraliaSuper RugbyNRLAustralian Schoolboys (RU) City v. Country (RL)2000s
Jarryd HayneAustraliaWorld Rugby Sevens SeriesNRL (Gold Coast)Fiji (RU 7s) Australia (RL)2006-
Nigel HeslopEnglandInternationalRugby Football League ChampionshipEngland1990s
Craig InnesNew ZealandAll BlacksNRLNew Zealand (RU/RL)1990s
Ben KennedyAustraliaAustralian U-21NRLAustralia (RL)1990s/2000s
Wally LewisAustraliaAustralian SchoolboysNRLAustralia (RL)1977/1992
Cooper CronkAustraliaAustralian SchoolboysNRLAustralia (RL)2000s
John KirwanNew ZealandAll BlacksNRLNew Zealand (RU)1980/90s
Tony MelroseAustraliaAustralian SchoolboysNSWRLAustralia (RU)1980s
Dally MessengerAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RL)1900s
Garrick MorganAustraliaWallabiesNRLAustralia (RU)1990s
Rex MossopAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RU/RL)1950s
Noa NadrukuFijiFiji internationalNational Rugby LeagueFiji (RU/RL)1990s
Michael O'ConnorAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RU/RL)1980/90s
Brett PapworthAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RU)1980s
Ray PriceAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RU/RL)1980s
Scott QuinnellWalesWalesSuper LeagueWales (RU/RL)1990s/2000s
Matthew RidgeNew ZealandAll BlacksNRLNew Zealand (RU/RL)1980s/90s
Kevin RyanAustraliaWallabiesNSWRLAustralia (RU/RL)1950s/1960s
Wendell SailorAustraliaWallabiesKangaroosAustralia (RU/RL)1990s/2000s
Brian SmithAustralia, IrelandWallabies, IrelandNSWRLAustralia (RU), Ireland (RU)1980s/1990s
Ricky StuartAustraliaAustralian U-21NRLAustralia (RU & RL)1980s/1990s
George SmithNew ZealandAll BlacksAll GoldsNew Zealand (RU/RL)1900s
Alan TaitScotlandScotland /1997 Lions TourRugby Football League ChampionshipGreat Britain1980/90s
Brad ThornNew ZealandAll BlacksKangaroosAustralia (RL) New Zealand (RU)1994–present
John TimuNew ZealandAll BlacksNZ KiwisNew Zealand (RU/RL)1990s
Va'aiga "Inga" TuigamalaNew ZealandAll BlacksSuper LeagueNew Zealand (RU) Western Samoa (RL)1990s
Lesley VainikoloTongaEnglandSuper LeagueEngland (RU) New Zealand (RL)2000s
Dave ValentineScotlandScotlandSuper LeagueScotland (RU), Great Britain, Empire XIII (RL)1940s, 1950s
Rob ValentineScotlandScotlandSuper LeagueScotland (RU) Great Britain, Other Nationalities (RL)1960s, 1970s
Sonny Bill WilliamsNew ZealandAll BlacksNZ Kiwis, NRLNew Zealand (RL/RU)2004–present
Roy KinnearScotlandScotland, British and Irish LionsGreat BritainScotland, B&I Lions (RU) Great Britain, Other Nationalities (RL)1920s, 1930s
Gareth ThomasWalesWales, British and Irish LionsWales, Super LeagueWales (RU/RL)1994–2011
Tiaan StraussSouth AfricaSouth Africa, AustraliaNRL with Cronulla SharksSouth Africa and Australia (RU)1986–1999
Tom van VollenhovenSouth AfricaSouth AfricaNorthern Rugby Football League with St. HelensSouth Africa (RU)1950s–1960s
Rob LouwSouth AfricaSouth AfricaRFL with WiganSouth Africa (RU)1978–1997
Ray MordtSouth AfricaSouth AfricaRugby Football League Championship with WiganSouth Africa (RU)1980–1987
Wilf RosenbergSouth AfricaSouth AfricaRugby Football League Championship with Leeds and Hull F.C.South Africa (RU)1955–1963
David WatkinsWalesWales, British and Irish LionsRugby Football League Championship with Salford and SwintonWales/Great Britain (RL) Wales (RU)British and Irish Lions1961–1980

See also

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