Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

'Why take away the opportunity?' - Exeter's Gareth Steenson urges IRFU to reconsider Ireland selection policy

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Monday, 19 October 2020 07:21

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Gareth Steenson has called on the IRFU to review its policy which prevents players playing for a club outside Ireland from being selected for international duty.

The 35-year-old Dungannon native was part of the Exeter squad that won the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

Steenson has never played for Ireland, having first moved to England with Rotherham Titans in 2006.

"I think it's a shame," he told Sportsound Extra Time.

"There are only four provinces that you can select from, so why take away the opportunity if some of your best players are away playing top-level rugby in a different competition? They will be are learning from other players and other leagues.

"I understand that it is an easier way to look after players, being at home, but for me I never had an opportunity to play for any of the provinces.

"I was always at a disadvantage as I was never going to get selected for Ireland, that was just the way it fell for me. Hopefully, one day, the IRFU might look across the water, but I can say that now I'm finishing."

Steenson, who was an unused substitute in Saturday's decider victory over Racing 92, joined Exeter in 2008 and will retire at the end of the season as the club's all-time leading points scorer.

Ian Whitten, who won two Ireland caps while playing for Ulster at the start of his career before joining Steenson at Sandy Park in 2010, lined up at centre for Exeter on Saturday.

Former Ireland wing Simon Zebo was in the Racing side - and Steenson believes both players should have more Ireland caps.

"Ian was not getting the opportunities he would have wanted at Ulster, and did not have a chance to play for another province," Steenson continued.

"He ended up over here but could have more caps for Ireland. It is the same with Simon. I had a good chat with him after the game, he is loving life over there and playing some great stuff."

Steenson's final match before retiring as a player will be Saturday's Premiership final against Wasps at Twickenham.

Looking ahead to the potential of ending his career with a European and Premiership double, he said he has no regrets about his career path, despite the lack of international honours.

"I cannot have any regrets. When I first came to Exeter it was all about trying to get back home to hopefully have the opportunity to play for my country," he added.

"But would I sacrifice any of that for what we have achieved? Not a chance. I always used to say I was in the wrong place at the wrong time when I was back home, but I would definitely say I am in the right place at the right time here in Exeter."

The full interview with Gareth Steenson can be heard on Monday's edition of Sportsound Extra Time, which is on Radio Ulster at 18:05 and will be available BBC Sounds.

Read 291 times

Soccer

Fermín signs new Barça deal with 500m clause

Fermín signs new Barça deal with 500m clause

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona have rewarded Fermín López's early-season form with a new...

Bundesliga leaders Leipzig will put Dortmund's faith in Şahin to the test

Bundesliga leaders Leipzig will put Dortmund's faith in Şahin to the test

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBorussia Dortmund have again dominated the German football headline...

Messi: Had to reinvent my style due to age, MLS

Messi: Had to reinvent my style due to age, MLS

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLionel Messi acknowledged he has reinvented his style of play since...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Magic's Banchero questionable vs. Cavs

Sources: Magic's Banchero questionable vs. Cavs

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOrlando Magic star Paolo Banchero has sustained a right abdominal s...

The quiet free agent signing who could finally unlock KD, Booker and the Suns' Big 3

The quiet free agent signing who could finally unlock KD, Booker and the Suns' Big 3

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFOR MOST OF his 13 years in the NBA, Bradley Beal has had a good se...

Baseball

Rays' Franco sexual abuse trial to begin Dec. 12

Rays' Franco sexual abuse trial to begin Dec. 12

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco's trial in the Dominican Rep...

Passan: How the World Series champion Dodgers validated their era of dominance

Passan: How the World Series champion Dodgers validated their era of dominance

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Two days before the Los Angeles Dodgers' postseason beg...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated