Former Irish underage out-half Steenson on England’s radar

FORMER Ulster and Ireland underage out-half Gareth Steenson has revealed he has been sounded out about the possibility of playing for England.

Steenson played for Ireland at U19 and U21 levels and has also played in club internationals but he qualifies for England on residency grounds.

The 26-year-old has been playing for Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership and had an eye-catching start to the season, notching 69 points in his first six games.

A knee injury has kept him out of action since October but he returned to the substitutes’ bench last weekend and came on to land a penalty in the Chiefs’ 15-22 home defeat against Leicester.

According to RBS6nations.com, Steenson said: “When I was playing at the start of the season nobody from the Irish national set up got in touch with me although I did take a call from someone involved with the English setup.

“All the call said was that they were keeping tabs on a few players who had started the season well and I was one of them which was nice recognition to get.”

With the exception of Leicester full-back Geordan Murphy, Ireland have generally not selected Premiership based players in recent years.

London Irish second row Bob Casey and Northampton centre James Downey are among those playing regularly — and impressing — in the Premiership who have not earned places in Ireland squads.

Steenson added that he had never been contacted by anyone involved with the current senior Ireland squad.

“I have never spoken to Declan Kidney or anyone involved with the Irish set up but I have in the England camp.

“Until then I hadn’t given it much thought but we will have to wait and see what happens now.

“You never know what could happen in rugby and I could have a choice to make further down the line — but until then there is a lot of rugby to play and I am just concentrating on getting back with the Chiefs.”