Stephen Ferris couldn't resist a wee joke at the ongoing situation surrounding John Cooney's potential switch to Scotland.
Speculation continues to mount over the international future of Cooney, who has earned 11 caps for Ireland.
The 32-year-old qualifies for Scotland thanks to his Scottish father and new World Rugby eligibility rules that allow players to switch international allegiance three years after their last cap.
Read more: Glasgow Warriors vs Ulster as it happened at Scotstoun
Cooney's last Irish outing came back in February 2020, opening the door for him to move.
Ferris has been a critic of the rules, and the ongoing situation surrounding Cooney's future, and made his views clear once again on Friday night during Ulster's URC game with Glasgow Warriors.
The former British and Irish Lion initially joked on Viaplay Sports: "It's good to see Gregor Townsend (Scotland head coach) in the crowd tonight. He must be here to see John Cooney coming off the bench."
Former Scotland international John Barclay picked up on the tongue and cheek comment before responding: "Ah, come on. He might be here to watch Scott Cummings, Steve."
Cooney came off the bench in the second half of Friday's game at Scotstoun, which re-opened the debate surrounding the Ulster scrum-half's international future.
When asked if John Cooney will finish the Six Nations with a Scotland cap, Barclay said: "The opportunity to tie him into a World Cup, with his goal kicking as good as it is at a World Cup, could be so invaluable.
"That's my opinion on why he might be picked. Whether you like it or not is a different matter."
Ferris reiterated his opposition to such a move, adding: "Everyone has their own views on the Cooney situation, possibly playing for Scotland.
"It doesn't sit well with me. You have young scrum-halves playing week in, week out from five years of age. They go through all the age grades, Under 19s, 20s.
"And then when they think they're going to get an international call-up, someone from Ireland comes and takes their spot."
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