Cooney could be in for 6 Nations

GREGOR TOWNSEND says Ireland international John Cooney could be called into his Scotland squad before the end of this year’s Six Nations.

The Ulster scrum-half becomes eligible for selection three days before Scotland’s third game against France through new eligibility laws. Under the controversial rule a player can switch allegiances after a three-year standdown period and if they show a credible link to their new nation of choice.

Cooney, whose father is from Blantyre, won the last of his 11 caps for Ireland against England on February 23, 2020. Townsend said: “I spoke to John when the rule change came about.

“He actually reached out to me to let me know it would be something he would consider as a lot of his family live in Scotland. He’s not available until later in the championship so it wasn’t something we considered for the start of it.

“But we’ll look at it when he’s available and whether we feel it’s right to bring him in in terms of his performances compared to the other No.9s we have. And also getting him up to speed with how we play.

“It will be challenging to have someone coming in halfway through a championship but it’s great to know that he was keen to be involved with us.

“And he could add to our depth at scrum-half.”

If he is called up by Scotland, 32-year-old Cooney will be following in the footsteps of former Wallaby Jack Dempsey and former England cap Ruaridh McConnochie in taking advantage of the rule change.

● Glasgow Warriors have handed 21-year-old academy prospect Euan Ferrie his first senior contract.

The flanker has played six games for the Scotstoun side this season.