A former England international has officially switched his international allegiance to Ireland after being named in the Ireland XV squad for next month's clash with Fiji A.
Munster prop Kieran Brookes has been selected in the squad for the fixture, which takes place in Cork on November 20.
The 36-year-old has made an impressive start since joining Munster this summer and qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, who were born in Belfast and Dublin.
Although born in England, Brookes previously represented Ireland at several age-grade levels, including under-18, under-19 and under-20.
He began his professional career with Newcastle Falcons before joining Leicester Tigers in 2011. After returning to Newcastle, he signed for Northampton Saints in 2015, where he established himself as a regular starter.
Brookes moved to Wasps in 2018 before heading to France to join Toulon in 2021. Three years later, he agreed to join Perpignan, continuing his career in the Top 14.
However, his time in France came to an early end this summer when he agreed to terminate his contract a year ahead of schedule to join Munster.
The move has now opened the door to a potential return to international rugby, this time in green.
Brookes earned 16 caps for England and was part of their squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He also featured in the 2016 Six Nations, returning from injury to contribute to England's Grand Slam-winning campaign.
His final England appearance came in 2016, meaning he has comfortably satisfied World Rugby's three-year stand-down period for switching international allegiance.
Until his move to Munster, however, Brookes had never played his club rugby in Ireland, preventing him from meeting the relevant eligibility requirements.
is arrival in Limerick has changed that, giving him the opportunity to represent Ireland at senior level.
At 36, the experienced tighthead could offer valuable depth and leadership to the Ireland XV pack.
There is also a familiar face in the Irish coaching set-up. Current head coach Andy Farrell was part of Stuart Lancaster's England coaching team during Brookes' international career, meaning the pair have already worked together at Test level.
Brookes' inclusion also comes at an interesting time for Ireland's front row, with uncertainty surrounding the potential disciplinary outcome for Leinster tighthead Tadhg Furlong.
Furlong is facing scrutiny over an alleged groin grab on Munster's Gavin Coombes, with the outcome of the case still unknown.
Should the incident result in a suspension, Brookes' experience could become particularly valuable as Ireland assess their options at tighthead prop.
Ireland XV squad to face Fiji A
Forwards: Tom Ahern (Munster), Jack Aungier (Munster), Paul Boyle (Connacht), Kieran Brookes (Munster), Will Connors (Connacht), Eoin de Buitlear (Connacht), Edwin Edogbo (Munster), Sean Edogbo (Munster), Brian Gleeson (Munster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), David McCann (Ulster), Michael Milne (Munster), Conor O'Tighearnaigh (Leinster), Scott Penny (Leinster), Alex Usanov (Leinster).
Backs: Joey Carbery (Leinster), Matthew Devine (Ulster), Cathal Forde (Connacht), Fintan Gunne (Connacht), James Hume (Ulster), Dan Kelly (Munster), Shay McCarthy (Munster), Ethan McIlroy (Ulster), Jack Murphy (Ulster), Daniel Ryan (Connacht), Finnt Treacy (Connacht), Harry West (Connacht).
