Stuart McCloskey has been very hard done by in missing out on Ireland selection and could now consider a move abroad, argues Stephen Ferris.
Ulster centre McCloskey did not make the cut for Andy Farrell’s 40-man squad and Ferris is upset that the 29-year-old has been snubbed.
“He hasn’t had a fair crack,” claimed the former flanker at the launch of the new Ireland jersey. “I scream the house down for McCloskey all the time but I’m not going to bother anymore because I don’t think he’s in the frame and I don’t think he ever will be.
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“If he was playing in the English Premiership for Saracens, he’d be a starting 12 for England week in, week out. If he was playing in the Top 14 for Toulouse, he’d probably be the starting 12 for France.
“For some reason, his face just doesn’t fit. If I was in his shoes, I’m not sure how long I’d be hanging around Irish rugby in the future.
“His main goal is obviously to play for Ireland, and that’s not happening, and he could earn a fortune somewhere else because he is so durable, he plays so many games.”
Meanwhile, Ferris says he would settle for one Irish Test win on what will be a very tough tour to New Zealand for Farrell’s men.
“To go over there and get a win in one Test match would be an unbelievable achievement,” said the former flanker. “To go over there and get a series victory, I would be deluded in thinking that could be the outcome in five or six weeks.
“Now the lads who are on the plane and have just landed in Auckland are talking about getting a series win, they’re not just there to make up the numbers. They’re not just there to massage the New Zealand team’s ego and just turn up and roll over and be an Irish side like in 2012 and be embarrassed.”
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