Divided loyalties for Gleeson

He may have an Australian accent, but Ireland flanker Keith Gleeson insists there will be no regrets when he goes into battle against the Wallabies on Saturday.

Gleeson could be forgiven for feeling a little confused at Lansdowne Road.

Born in Ireland in 1976 but raised in Australia, the forward was capped by the Wallabies at under-19 and under-21 levels and actually skippered the latter in 1997.

But with limited opportunities at New South Wales, Gleeson decided to return to his roots 18 months ago and early success with Leinster has earned him not just plaudits but international recognition.

It adds spice to the confrontation with the world champions but Gleeson, 26, is not harbouring any grudges about not lining up for the Australians.

“I wouldn’t say there is lingering disappointment,” Gleeson said. “The aim was to play international rugby. The opportunities were not there for me to play international rugby in Australia and they are now here in Ireland.

“I have no regrets and I’m very much looking forward to Saturday. I won’t be singing Advance Australia Fair – I’ll only be singing the Irish anthem.

“There will always be extra incentive. I have a lot of friends and family back home watching the game and, yes, there is a point to prove.

“It’s not a case of being bitter or anything like that. Australia have got three very good openside flankers at the moment.”

Gleeson will lock horns with some former team-mates from his under-21 days and he added: “Three of the current 15 who I played with are Jeremy Paul, Stirling Mortlock and Ben Darwin. So those I know reasonably well and I will be looking forward to playing against them.”

There is another reason to relish the game. Having made his Irish debut against Wales in this year’s Six Nations back in February, Gleeson sees Saturday’s contest as the ideal opportunity to gauge his progress at international level.

“I guess my objective when coming back to Ireland was to try and make the New Zealand tour. If it came earlier than that then it was a bonus,” he said.

“But if I could establish myself on that tour then hopefully that will give me the chance of a run through to the World Cup. So it is coming along as well as it can.

“So really I haven’t been tested so much at this level and Australia will be a big match and I’m looking forward to it from that point of view.”