#2. John Cooney
- Age: 32
- Position: Scrum-half
- Honours: Ireland (11 caps), Emerging Ireland, Ireland U20
The former Connacht ace has not played for Ireland in three years — and can move under World Rugby’s new eligibility rules.
His father, John Cooney senior, who was born in Blantyre in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, was a journalist who worked for the Glasgow Herald before becoming European correspondent, and later religious affairs correspondent, for The Irish Times
Players can switch nations if they have been stood down from international rugby for three years and they, or a parent or grandparent, were born in the country they wish to represent.
DID YOU KNOW? He is the first player to play over 20 games for three different Irish province (Connacht, Leinster, Ulster)