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All Blacks-eligible former Wallabies prop 'open' to test rugby return
Highlanders prop Jermaine Ainsley says he is “open” to a return to test rugby, four years after he last played internationally for the Wallabies.
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Born-and-raised in Otago, Ainsley debuted for the Wallabies against the All Blacks in 2018 after relocating to Australia following his graduation from Otago Boys’ High School in 2013.
Formerly of the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, the 26-year-old son of ex-All Blacks prop Joe McDonnell went on to play three tests for the Wallabies, playing Italy and England during their 2018 end-of-year tour.
Ainsley hasn’t been called on by Australia since then, though, and since moved back to New Zealand, signing a two-year deal with the Highlanders ahead of the 2021 season.
After succumbing to a season-ending injury during last year’s pre-season, Ainsley finally took to the field for his new side earlier this year and has become a regular in Tony Brown’s starting lineup.
A mobile and quick tighthead prop, Ainsley has impressed in a Highlanders front row that has enjoyed success at the set piece in Super Rugby Pacific.
That may pique the interest not only of Wallabies selectors, but also those from the All Blacks given Ainsley is now eligible to represent New Zealand internationally thanks to World Rugby’s change in eligibility rules, which came into effect on January 1.
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Those laws stipulate that test-capped players can represent a second country that they are eligible for via birthright, provided they stand down from international rugby for three years.
Ainsley’s three-year stand down from test rugby expired last November, meaning he could play for the All Blacks as early as this July.
However, while he isn’t outright opposed to an international comeback, Ainsley played down the notion that he could play for either the All Blacks or Wallabies in future.
“When I left, I guess I left in a good place,” Ainsley told media on Tuesday of his move back to New Zealand from Australia.
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“I wanted to try something new, experience New Zealand footy. I hadn’t played [in New Zealand] since I was in school, so it was about taking a new opportunity, really, just trying to grow my career.
“International [rugby], it wasn’t on the front mind. It was just I’ve had a lot of injuries. I haven’t played consistently good footy, so that was just first on my mind, to come here.
“I’m just enjoying playing with the boys and learning new stuff every week, and just look forward to trying to grow my game better for the team. Whatever happens international-wise, obviously that’s the end goal, so I’ll leave the door open to it.”
Ainsley added that he hasn’t been in contact with Rugby Australia and that he’s unsure that he’ll play for the Wallabies again.
“I have no idea. I haven’t been in contact, so I’m not sure. It’s one of those ones I’m not sure about. I’m just focusing on my footy. Like I said, I’ve had heaps of injuries, so I’m just about getting to each game and playing as well as I can.”
Instead, Ainsley is focused on performing for the Highlanders as they look to turn their horror start to the season, with six losses from seven matches, around and clinch a place in the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals.
That mission received a boost last weekend when the southerners notched their first win of the season last weekend when they beat Moana Pasifika at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Now their attention will turn to this weekend’s home clash against the Hurricanes, a match in which Ainsley is eager to continue the good form he has found himself in after relishing New Zealand’s contrasting style of play to that of Australia.
“I’m really enjoying it. I’m definitely enjoying getting the ball a bit more and I’ve definitely noticed you get involved a lot more in New Zealand, the rugby here, so I’m just really enjoying it and just trying to build on my performances every week.”
Comments on RugbyPass
I hope WRU cops a 12 month ban.
1 Go to commentsOuch. Pumped. Even Nohamba is a better flyhalf than Ford.
2 Go to commentsI hope Leinster’s proud of themselves fielding a poor team. They should decide if they’re all in or not.
2 Go to commentsJordie is looking at 16 games maximum if Leinster reach both the URC and champions cup finals. Thats not guaranteed. Some of those home URC fixtures will be cakewalks as well for Leinster and there is not much doing during the 6 nations in Feb and March so he can probably get a decent rest then. He will have to really put in it for maybe 7 or 8 games max. It should be a good move for both.
13 Go to commentsThe game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
32 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
13 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
13 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
6 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
27 Go to comments