Ulster scrum-half John Cooney is considering switching allegiance from Ireland to Scotland.
The 32-year-old has won 11 caps for Ireland but hasn't featured for Andy Farrell's side since the 2020 Six Nations defeat to England at Twickenham. Despite excellent club form, Cooney has been able to force his way back into the Irish set-up.
With a desire to once again compete at an International level, Scotland is a viable option as Cooney qualifies for Gregor Townsend's side as a result of his father's Scottish heritage. Under World Rugby's eligibility rules, a player can play for another country provided they haven't played for their current country in the last three years.
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By February, Cooney will be without an Irish cap for three years and will be free to switch allegiances. And with a World Cup less than a year away, Cooney is considering all options.
“I’ll make the decision on my own terms and whatever I feel is right," Cooney told the BBC's Ulster Rugby Show, "Half of my family live in Scotland and my dad is a proud Scotsman."
“I have to make sure everything is right with me with Ulster in terms of the contract and stuff like that.
“I have seen people commenting — I can see other people’s perception of it but they’re generally people who have no connection or affiliation to another country.
“I can see both sides of the conversation but I won’t be listening to the outside [noise].
“Either way I know my Dad would be immensely proud if I did play [for Scotland].”
Cooney came through the ranks at Leinster and made his first appearance for the province in 2011. The Dubliner had a loan spell at Connacht which turned into a permanent move in 2015.
The 'Slot-machine' joined Ulster in 2017 and has gone on to become one of the most important players in the squad. In his five years at the club, Cooney has made 106 appearances for the province and has scored over 850 points.
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