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The latest New Zealander dreaming of representing Ireland at the Rugby World Cup
By Online Editors
Leinster’s Kiwi scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park could find himself in an Ireland jersey at next year’s World Cup in Japan.
The former Blues and Hurricanes scrumhalf has been with Leinster since 2016 and he is set to achieve his three-year residency in Ireland midway through 2019.
Gibson-Park wasn’t aware of the residency rule when he signed a three-year deal with Leinster.
“No, it took me by surprise,” he told the Irish Times.
The 26-year-old has now expressed his desire to play at the highest level with Ireland. He could join the likes of Kiwis Jared Payne (now retired) and Bundee Aki to represent Ireland at Test level.
“Yeah absolutely, it’s what we’re here for, to play at the highest level,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always aspired to do.”
However, Gibson-Park admitted it will be hard to make the Ireland squad with Conor Murray, Kieran Marmion, Luke McGrath and John Cooney ahead of him in the pecking order.
“There are four pretty good nines in the country and they’re all playing pretty well. They look as though they’re pretty set in those positions.
“But you never know what could happen over the next while. As I’d always say, the focus is on what’s going on here, try to get the nine jersey for Leinster first,” Gibson Park added.
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Latest Comments
Come on, RugbyPass. You let a notorious homer grade his own beloved team?
Anyway. I rate Barrett, and I’m one of those who think no one else but him and Mo’unga should have ever dressed the ABs’ 10 jersey as long as both are still active, but he wasn’t a 9.5. Barrett is the best game controller of all contemporary ABs’ first fives. Kiwi fans are obsessed with ball running 10s and many don’t realize, that there are other boxes a “first five” needs to tick, than instinctive genius attacking rugby. The DMac lovers don’t seem to notice, that his poor tactical decisions costed ABs some games this year, granting tries to both Pumas and Springboks. As for BB, just review the miniseries against England earlier this year. In one of the games, Barrett came on the field, and literally turned the tables by putting immense pressure on the English through clever kicking. It’s not sexy, but it wins games and championships. Ask Handré Pollard, who started his international career as a ball running 10/12, and then turned himself into a game controller.
Anyway x2. 10 is a perfect performance, that couldn’t have been better. 10 is Dusautoir in the 2011 RWC finals. Barrett wasn’t next door to a performance, that couldn’t have been better as much as I rate him.
Go to commentsToo many boks held up in when touching down - Siya and Fassi should've scored
At least the line-out is getting better. A good tour but a soft finish in H2 in this game I think
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