Never say never: Paul Vaughan doesn’t rule out future Italy caps

Josh McAllister
Paul Vaughan Italy PA

Paul Vaughan hasn’t ruled out earning more caps for Italy, despite missing their recent World Cup campaign at the delayed 2021 tournament in England.

Vaughan won two caps for Australia in 2019, and also represented New South Wales on six occasions during his career in the NRL.

He first represented Italy at the 2013 World Cup in England, playing in all three of their group matches. He again represented the side at the 2017 tournament Down Under, winning a total of six caps for his heritage country, scoring one try.

The prop forward did however miss the recent tournament due to his move to Super League with Warrington. Vaughan explained to Love Rugby League: “I think it would have been too selfish on my behalf for my family to play at this year’s World Cup

“We just had a massive move and I didn’t want to leave the wife with the two kids by herself. I just thought that would have been too hard for her.

“We had a big move and I didn’t want to leave her to do that by herself. I opted against it.”

Paul Vaughan: I would never say never

The former Canberra, St George Illawarra and Canterbury man is yet to announce his retirement from the international game, but to feature at the next tournament in France in 2025 would see him pass his 34th birthday.

However, Vaughan didn’t rule out any future caps for the side, qualifying through his grandmother.

“I would never say never,” he said.

“I’m 31 this year, so I’ll see how I feel. If I’m physically up to it, I’ll see. But I’m starting to get a bit old now, especially in three years time, I don’t know how I’ll feel.

“We’ll see how we’ll go.”

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