English Rugby
Sam Tomkins open to crosscode switch
ESPN Staff
September 5, 2013
Sam Tomkins played union in 2011 for the Barbarians © Getty Images
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Wigan Warriors superstar Sam Tomkins has revealed he is keen to take part in the 2015 World Cup for England.

Tomkins has been linked with a crosscode switch from league to union for a while with Saracens mentioned as a possible destination. But in recent weeks, reports have emerged saying Tomkins has agreed to play for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL.

The 24-year-old claims these reports are not true and is focused on the rugby league World Cup which takes place later this year. But Tomkins is open to the idea of following his brother Joel into union and admits the huge crowds that international games attract are a massive lure.

"I am not one of these people who is all about league and says union is rubbish," Tomkins told the Telegraph. "Seeing England play at Twickenham in front of tens of thousands of people, that is what would do it for me. The international scene in rugby union would be what I would want to get into at some point if I could."

With the World Cup just two years away, Tomkins would have to make the crosscode switch sooner rather than later if he is to force his way into Test reckoning. He has already ran out at Twickenham in a union match having played for the Barbarians in Australia 2011, and if he made it into the World Cup reckoning then he would come up against the Wallabies in England's Pool.

"It would be nice," Tomkins added. "I would never say never if the opportunity came up. To be involved in any World Cup would be amazing so to get into a union one at some point would be amazing. I have not made any plans for the next two years."

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