Exeter's Julian Heaven turns down Rugby World Cup opportunity

Exeter Chiefs hooker Julian Heaven admits he has said ‘no, thanks’ to a chance to play for Spain at the World Cup next year because he didn’t want to jeopardise his English Qualified Player (EQP) status.

Sydney-born Heaven, 25, who arrived at Sandy Park from the NSW Waratahs in the summer on a UK passport, qualifies to play for five countries – Australia through birth and England through his dad

His grandmother on his mum’s side was born in Spain and emigrated to Australia, where she married his German grandfather, while on his dad’s side, his English-born grandmother married a Jamaican.

Spain picked Heaven for their under-20 side in 2019 and wanted him to get involved with their senior side, with the lure of playing at the World Cup in Australia next year, but he wouldn’t be classed as EQP any longer if he took them up on the offer.

“I do qualify for five countries. I’ve got a broad array of countries I’m associated with. I did play for Spain at the U20 Level, and I was invited to join the Spanish camp,” Heaven said.

“The World Cup would be a very special moment for my family and me, if that were to happen. But I feel a strong sense of determination to play more for the Chiefs and to remain English-qualified.

“And I don’t wish to jeopardise that at the moment through playing with Spain. I think being English-qualified is probably more significant and important in the near future. I’m very proud of each of my heritages.”

Heaven moved to France as a teenager to start his career with Lyon, making four appearances and coming within a whisker of adding another option to the list of countries that he qualifies for.

“I did three-and-a-half years at Lyon between Academy and Pro (rugby). I went there when I was 18 and debuted at 19. I had a few problems with injuries in my visa (application), so my French qualifications fell through.

“I was supposed to be Jiff-qualified, and at the end of my tenure at Lyon, I had an offer from Stade Français, which unfortunately fell through when I didn’t get my Jiff. So I returned to Australia,” he explained.