John Cooney to switch allegiance to Scotland?

Ireland and Ulster scrumhalf John Cooney could switch test allegiances to Scotland next year.

The 32-year-old has represented Ireland 11 times since debuting back in 2017 after turning down an opportunity to represent Scotland.

Cooney has Scottish roots through his father and could make the switch through World Rugby’s amended eligibility rules that allows players to change 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.

Extra.ie's sources have indicated that Gregor Townsend could be lining up Cooney to link up with his squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France next year.

Cooney is eligible to make the switch in February next year and could pull on the Scottish jersey during the Six Nations. If he were to make the switch, he would be eligible for Scotland's third Six Nations match against France with games against Ireland and Italy following.

Last year, Cooney admitted he was ‘deflated’ from his lack of opportunities with Ireland.

‘It gets harder each time and I feel I’ve done enough and I’ve done everything asked of me,’ he stated in July 2021.

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