Former Maori All Black Alex Nankivell has revealed his ambition to play for Ireland having become a key part of the Munster squad.
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.
Nankivell qualifies for Andy Farrell’s side in October 2028, by which time he would be 32, but that hasn’t stopped him from thinking about putting on that green jersey.
‘I have definitely thought about it’
“When I signed, and I’ll say this openly to anyone, I never thought about playing international rugby. It was more about, ‘how can I go and contribute to Munster?’” he told RugbyPass.
“Then, 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’ll qualify for Ireland halfway through that next contract. Since then I have definitely thought about it.”
Nankivell is no different to all Kiwis who are desperate to play for the All Blacks, but it would be an equally proud moment for the centre should Ireland come calling.
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.
That trio have been key players since qualifying under World Rugby’s residency laws and the Munster star is looking to add his name to the list.
“My 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,” Nankivell said.
“That’s 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’s the focus now.
“When you come over to a place, you get immersed in a nation, a culture and the way they do things. As a New Zealander – it may be a bit different from what Irish people think – you buy into the way of life, and the people, so it would be pretty cool to represent all of that.”
Nankivell’s hero growing up
Nankivell has become a fine all-round player that could well thrive in the Test environment and in that sense would emulate his hero, Ma’a Nonu.
Although it wouldn’t be in a black shirt, Nankivell took inspiration from Nonu in his ability to adapt and learn when shifting to centre.
“I would have watched Ma’a play on the wing, when he was with Wellington. When I moved to midfield and started to understand the game a wee bit better – other than just seeing all the cool tries on TV – I realised how impressive his development was,” he said.
“He went from being this physical, explosive athlete – and his point of difference being the carry and collision – to being this guy who could do everything.
“It made me appreciate you might not initially be unbelievable at everything but if you work hard enough, you can open up these different skills for yourself.”