Ronan O'Gara: Easing the ‘Sexton Rule’ can be a positive for Irish rugby

Simon Zebo’s selection is no longer in the gift of Andy Farrell, the Irish coach. The IRFU has decided in an unwritten rule, that overseas Irish need not apply

Racing 92’s Simon Zebo is tackled by Saracens’ Elliot Daly in the Champions Cup semi-final last month. In the final, last weekend, Zebo scored two tries. Picture: Dave Winter/Inpho

Two tries for Simon Zebo in a European Cup final guarantees another venting of the ‘Why Isn’t He Playing for Ireland’ to keep lot of folk exercised through to Christmas. Of course, he should be. Life is full of exceptions and thankfully short on inflexible policy.

But Simon’s selection in no longer in the gift of Andy Farrell, the Irish coach. The IRFU has decided, if not formally, then certainly in an unwritten rule, that overseas Irish need not apply.