‘Three years to qualifiy is a joke, a farce...’

DONAL LENIHAN fears for the make-up of the Ireland team if the increasingly utilised three-year residency rule isn’t soon increased to a minimum of five years.

The surprise inclusions of Kiwi Sean Reidy — grandparent — and South African Quinn Roux — residency — meant nearly 20 per cent of the 32-strong Ireland squad which faced the Springboks last June consisted of southern hemisphere recruits qualified through the residential rule or an Irish grandparent.

Despite World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper claiming in May the issue wasn’t a problem due to the commercial success of the 2015 World Cup, vicechairman Agustin Pichot (right) is now demanding a change to the eligibility law.

The Argentine’s outspoken view has left Lenihan hoping the steering group formed last week to investigate the matter will eventually decide the current rule isn’t fit for purpose.

‘There is an element that people don’t mind once you’re a success. There’s no fella from Manchester playing for Manchester United, but playing for your country is different. If I was in Joe Schmidt’s shoes, would I pick CJ Stander? Absolutely. Would I pick Jared Payne? Absolutely. Would I be delighted to have them bolster my squad? Absolutely.

‘There is a huge difference between the grandparent rule – I have no issue with that – and the residency rule. Three years is a farce, a joke. It’s too easy. It has to be addressed and I’m delighted Pichot is making the point.

‘I would hate for international rugby to get to the stage that soccer has got to in many ways, but there is a danger that could happen.

‘I’d nearly prefer to lose with the fella who has grown up in Limerick dreaming of playing for Ireland than have seven overseas players in my team.’