Stephen Ferris has questioned the IRFU's 'succession planning', which led to Ruan Pienaar's departure from Ulster, as John Cooney looks set to swap Ireland for Scotland.
Ulster were rocked back in the 2016/17 season when they were informed Pienaar would not be able to extend his contract at Kingspan due to the succession policy.
The IRFU had concerns over a lack of emerging indigenous talent at Pienaar's scrum-half position and the South African's successful seven-year spell with Ulster was brought to an end.
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The likes of Cooney and Nathan Doak have featured since then but Ferris has been left scratching his head in disbelief at the news Cooney, who has 11 caps for Ireland, could switch allegiances next month.
World Rugby's new eligibility rules allow players to change allegiances after a three-year cooling-off period, with Cooney's last appearance in an Irish jersey coming in February 2020.
Scottish coach Gregor Townsend has revealed conversations have taken place with the 32-year-old leaving Ferris baffled why Pienaar was told he could not remain with Ulster.
"So the IRFU got rid of Ruan Pienaar to bring in John Cooney and Nathan Doak to help progress born and bred Irish talent to come though in the Number 9 position," the former Ulster and Ireland back rower told The Buildup on balls.ie.
"At that time we were a little bit short...who was going to take over Conor Murray's position?
"The IRFU were like 'No sorry Ulster, Ruan, as much as he has been a brilliant player for you, we're going to have to push him aside'.
"Ruan went and signed for Montpellier after that, was still playing really good rugby and had a lot to contribute. Ulster fans were up in arms!
"So you're telling me that by moving someone like Ruan Pienaar away from Ulster and bringing in John Cooney, why? To support Scottish rugby? It doesn't make sense."
Cooney's last appearance for Ireland came nearly three years ago and Ferris said he understood why fans are backing him to make the switch to Scotland.
"A lot of fans have said to me as well that they are fully behind John Cooney," he added.
"The reason why they are fully behind John Cooney making the step to Scotland is because he has been so unfairly treated by Ireland."
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