Former Maori All Black Alex Nankivell has revealed his ambition to play for Ireland having become a key part of the Munster squad.<\/p>\n
The Auckland-born centre moved to the northern hemisphere in 2023 after spending six years at the Chiefs and has constantly impressed in the midfield.<\/p>\n
Nankivell qualifies for Andy Farrell\u2019s side in October 2028, by which time he would be 32, but that hasn\u2019t stopped him from thinking about putting on that green jersey.<\/p>\n
\u2018I have definitely thought about it\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I signed, and I\u2019ll say this openly to anyone, I never thought about playing international rugby. It was more about, \u2018how can I go and contribute to Munster?\u2019\u201d he told RugbyPass<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThen, when I came to my latest contract and sorting that out, there was some mention of becoming a project player. Because if I sign on again, I\u2019ll qualify for Ireland<\/a> halfway through that next contract. Since then I have definitely thought about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Nankivell is no different to all Kiwis who are desperate to play for the All Blacks<\/a>, but it would be an equally proud moment for the centre should Ireland come calling.<\/p>\n James Lowe, Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park are three other New Zealanders who have moved to Ireland and become part of the national set-up.<\/p>\n That trio have been key players since qualifying under World Rugby\u2019s residency laws and the Munster star is looking to add his name to the list.<\/p>\n \u201cMy dream growing up was to play international rugby, and that was for the All Blacks. But now, the closer opportunity is to stay in Ireland, qualify to play for Ireland, have a crack and do my best to try get selected,\u201d Nankivell said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s my goal right now. Being a rugby player, you want to play at the pinnacle of the game. For me, that is international rugby. That\u2019s the focus now.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you come over to a place, you get immersed in a nation, a culture and the way they do things. As a New Zealander \u2013 it may be a bit different from what Irish people think \u2013 you buy into the way of life, and the people, so it would be pretty cool to represent all of that.\u201d<\/p>\n