Rhys Carre will soon be eligible to represent England, Ireland and ScotlandRhys Carre on the run for Saracens(Image: Getty Images)
Rhys Carre has emerged as a potential transfer target for Munster for the 2026/27 season which could result in the explosive prop switching his international allegiance from Wales to Ireland.
The 27-year-old has another year to run on his Saracens contract but WalesOnline have been told there is interest in his services from across the Irish Sea.
Carre has not represented Wales since the 2023 Six Nations and is currently ineligible to represent his country due to the controversial 25-cap law after leaving Cardiff for English giants Saracens.
Under World Rugby regulations a player can switch international allegiances three years after his last cap provided he was either born in that nation or has family ties.
This means Carre will become eligible to represent England, Ireland and Scotland midway through the 2026 Six Nations.
Carre in action for Saracens(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
It would be a surprise if Saracens were not interested in acquiring his services but WalesOnline understands Munster are leading the chase. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
New Wales head coach Steve Tandy could also do worse than persuade a Welsh team to look at Carre.
Also, it remains to be seen whether the 25-cap law has a future given the Welsh Rugby Union are highly likely to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to two by the 2027/28 season at the latest.
Rhys Carre in action for Wales against England (Image: Gruffydd Thomas/Huw Evans Agency)
Carre’s point of difference is his explosiveness and his ability to make significant post-contact metres and is exactly the type of ball carrier lacking in Welsh rugby. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
But Carre was infamously omitted from Wales’ pre-Rugby World Cup training camp by Warren Gatland back in 2023.
The previous coaching team had reservations about Carre’s fitness and work rate but he is a player who has not yet reached his ceiling.