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The latest New Zealander dreaming of representing Ireland at the Rugby World Cup
Leinster’s Kiwi scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park could find himself in an Ireland jersey at next year’s World Cup in Japan.
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The former Blues and Hurricanes scrumhalf has been with Leinster since 2016 and he is set to achieve his three-year residency in Ireland midway through 2019.
Gibson-Park wasn’t aware of the residency rule when he signed a three-year deal with Leinster.
“No, it took me by surprise,” he told the Irish Times.
The 26-year-old has now expressed his desire to play at the highest level with Ireland. He could join the likes of Kiwis Jared Payne (now retired) and Bundee Aki to represent Ireland at Test level.
“Yeah absolutely, it’s what we’re here for, to play at the highest level,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always aspired to do.”
However, Gibson-Park admitted it will be hard to make the Ireland squad with Conor Murray, Kieran Marmion, Luke McGrath and John Cooney ahead of him in the pecking order.
“There are four pretty good nines in the country and they’re all playing pretty well. They look as though they’re pretty set in those positions.
“But you never know what could happen over the next while. As I’d always say, the focus is on what’s going on here, try to get the nine jersey for Leinster first,” Gibson Park added.
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