Internationals IRELAND RLWC 2017 Campaign

[SJ's on Fire]

The bro Issac Luke hunting for the pot of gold and the shamrock! Good lad haha
League: Ireland coach Mark Ashton reveals Issac Luke wanted to play for Ireland
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11930881

After being overlooked by the Kiwis, Issac Luke tried to keep his World Cup dreams alive - by attempting to switch allegiances and play for Ireland.

The Warriors hooker was a shock omission from the Kiwis 24-man squad named on Tuesday, with coach David Kidwell preferring to go with 21-year-old Newcastle Knights hooker Danny Levi for the upcoming tournament.

In the wake of his non-selection, Irish coach Mark Ashton told Sydney's Triple M that Luke was keen to turn out for Ireland - as he qualifies through his grandparents.

"We got a list from the NRL telling us who qualifies and Issac Luke, who qualifies through his grandparents, put his hands up," Aston told Triple M.

"We're a bit gutted because he didn't get the paperwork in on time.

"I think he thought he'd probably play for New Zealand and by the time he came back to us the chance has gone.

"But he wants to play for Ireland one day."

Luke's attempted switch has been revealed after a week in which the Kiwis were abandoned by North Queensland forward Jason Taumalolo, who together with David Fusitua, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Manu Ma'u, made the shock switch to play for Tonga.

Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita also turned his back on Australia to play for Tonga - two days after he was named in Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga's squad.

Sydney Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary was also on the cusp of playing for Ireland but elected to miss the World Cup to undergo hip surgery.

 

[jonesy101]

When I first heard about this I honestly thought it was a joke in light of whats happened in the past week. That was before I read the official statements from the coach.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the grandparent eligibility criteria could make a player eligible for 8 nations?

Country of birth
Country of residence
Parent A
Parent B
Grandparent A
Grandparent B
Grandparent C
Grandparent D

 

[bruce]

When I first heard about this I honestly thought it was a joke in light of whats happened in the past week. That was before I read the official statements from the coach.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the grandparent eligibility criteria could make a player eligible for 8 nations?

Country of birth
Country of residence
Parent A
Parent B
Grandparent A
Grandparent B
Grandparent C
Grandparent D

It just goes to show what a farce it is. To be fair to Tonga, Fiji and Samoa especially there will be a lot of local support down under, but Scotland, Ireland FFS, even Wales is stretching it as to WTF in those countries could give a shite.

 

[Sup42]

Shame it didnt happen.

would have been great.

 

[Sky Waka]

Before last years ANZAC test Luke told the Kiwis not to pick him because his form wasn't up to standard. It hasn't improved, soooo what he thinks his (lack of) form deserves selection for Ireland?

I wouldn't pick him to mow my lawns. Probably do a shit job at that too.

I don't care about all these fullas playing for 2nd tier nations but they shouldn't get picked because they used to be somebody.

 

[Trugoy]

Api Pewhairangi having a strong game for the Irish v Wales in Perth.

 

[warriorsfan92]

Api Pewhairangi having a strong game for the Irish v Wales in Perth.

He’s always been a good player, unsure why eels didn’t resign. Strong utility value

 

[warriors4eva]

wasn't he at the warriors last season ?

 

[warriors4eva]

ireland played well, they must be gutted they were in a pool where only one team progressed !

 

[Miket12]

wasn't he at the warriors last season ?

He was with the NSWarriors for part of the 2015 season before being released mid season to play Union in Ireland, then he played for the London Broncos in 2016 and played Union for Connacht.

In 2016, he signed for the London Broncos till the end of this season.