This would add some serious firepower to Joe Schmidt’s side.
The controversy surrounding this issue looks set to emerge once again over the coming months.
Reports today have announced that World Rugby (the sport’s governing body) will have a council meeting in May where a vote will take place on extending the much-maligned residency rule from three years to five years.
There has been a particular outcry over the rule, especially during the last number of months as more and more players are representing a country in which they were not born in.
Some feel that three years isn’t adequate time for a player to represent another country, others feel it should be extended to five and some believe any form of rule shouldn’t exist at all.
Ireland have benefitted from the rule of course, with CJ Stander and Jared Payne both proving crucial components to the current Irish team.
From their performances, it is clear that representing Ireland is something which they treasure and it is difficult to begrudge them of the opportunity to wear the green jersey.
Nevertheless, it looks set that the rule will be altered in someway.
Thankfully, the potential extension of the rule to five years won’t hamper certain players’ chances of representing Ireland.
Connacht’s Bundee Aki will be Irish qualified for this year’s November internationals.
While Munster’s Tyler Bleyendaal will be qualified in January 2018.
They will have both resided in Ireland for three years by that time but a potential five-year rule will not apply to them.
This means that we could well see the duo line out for Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations.
Whatever your view is on this issue, it’s safe to say that Ireland’s performance would certainly benefit from their inclusion.
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