ULSTER'S JOHN COONEY has admitted that he could look to represent Scotland rather than Ireland again at international level
Cooney has made 106 appearances for Ulster and has scored over 850 points during his time in Belfast, but has found time limited in a green jersey
The scrum-half has featured 11 times for Ireland, but has not played for Ireland since 2020.
With options at 9 limited due to Munsters Conor Murray, and Craig Casey, and Leinster's Jamison Gibson-Park, it seems that Cooney is looking to increase his chances elsewhere
Underworld Rugby's eligibility rules, a player can play for another country provided they haven't played for their current country in the last three years.
Players like Mack Hansen who were born in Australia, but had an Irish mother used this rule to declare for Ireland
Cooney could use the same rule and could decide to play for Scotland because of his father's Scottish heritage.
Ireland scrum-half John Cooney is pondering a switch to Scotland next year under World Rugby's new eligibility rules 🏴
More ⤵️ #BBCRugby— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) November 30, 2022
This February it will be three-years since Cooney last received an Irish cap. He will be able to play for Scotland then, if he wishes to do so.
Cooney speaking to BBC's Ulster Rugby Show said, ``I'll make the decision on my own terms and whatever I feel is right."
"Half of my family live in Scotland and my dad is a proud Scotsman."
“I have to make sure everything is right with me with Ulster in terms of the contract and stuff like that.
“I have seen people commenting — I can see other people’s perception of it but they’re generally people who have no connection or affiliation to another country.
“I can see both sides of the conversation but I won’t be listening to the outside [noise].
“Either way I know my Dad would be immensely proud if I did play [for Scotland].”
Ulster play Leinster in the Kingspan Stadium at 7.35pm this Saturday.
See More: John Cooney, Rugby, Ulster
