New Zealand native dreaming of playing for Andy Farrell’s Ireland

Ireland have been one of the nations that have benefited from the residency rules within rugby, as they have landed some gems over the years.

Fans have come to love Bundee Aki, James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park, who have been key to their success under Andy Farrell.

The trio have contributed to several pieces of silverware for both Ireland’s international team and their respective provincial sides.

While there has been some controversy from some sections of the rugby fanbase, the majority have come to embrace them as part of the Irish nation, as other nations have done with their residency-qualified players.

Bundee Aki of Ireland after his side's victory in the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland (Getty Images)

Now, Alex Nankivell has announced his desire to become another one of these players for Ireland, with the New Zealand native qualifying to represent Farrell’s side after featuring for Munster across the last three seasons, so he would be eligible for selection from October 2028.

While it may seem a lifetime away now, the 29-year-old is hopeful of having the chance to pull on the green jersey, as he mentioned to Rugby Pass.

He said: “When I signed, and I’ll say this openly to anyone, I never thought about playing international rugby.

“It was more about, 'How can I go and contribute to Munster?’ Then, when I came to my latest contract and sorting that out, there was some mention of becoming a project player. Because if I sign on again, I’ll qualify for Ireland halfway through that next contract. Since then I have definitely thought about it.

“My dream growing up was to play international rugby, and that was for the All Blacks. But now, the closer opportunity is to stay in Ireland, qualify to play for Ireland, have a crack and do my best to try to get selected. That’s my goal right now. Being a rugby player, you want to play at the pinnacle of the game. For me, that is international rugby. That’s the focus now.

Alex Nankivell of Munster before the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Leinster (Getty Images)

“When you come over to a place, you get immersed in a nation, a culture and the way they do things. As a New Zealander – it may be a bit different from what Irish people think – you buy into the way of life and the people, so it would be pretty cool to represent all of that.”

Nankivell has already made an appearance on the international stage, if not at Test level, as he is of Maori descent; he has represented the Maori All Blacks, including against an Ireland XV in 2022.

While representing Ireland is still at least two years off and with stiff competition in the centre position there is no guarantee that he will earn a cap, he will be determined to achieve that dream, and he could be a valuable player in the future like he is for Munster.