Ireland’s loss will be English rugby’s gain

Talented young men of Irish parentage, born in England who would be proud and honoured to represent Ireland, who consider themselves Irish, loyally placing their bodies over the try line and on the ground for London Irish, have not been given the opportunity to represent the country of their choice.

Instead, the English RFU, who have the foresight to recognise their talent, have snatched up these players at A level, who have now lost the opportunity to represent Ireland, as they are now bound to play for England. Therein lies the problem.

As we sit in the stands at international games, or watch the game on TV, the outstanding opposition players on the English team with Irish names such as Kennedy, Sheridan and Danaher, are not playing for their country but playing for the country who have recognised their talent and selected them on the basis of their skills.

Ireland’s loss will be England’s gain, When will the IRFU wake up and recognise that because these players were born and live in England does not make them English?

Ann Nevin

via e-mail