Tadhg Beirne has revealed that he was asked about playing for Wales when he was with the Scarlets.
But the Munster star insists his mind was already made up to come home and fight for Ireland recognition by the time Wayne Pivac made the pitch.
At the time, World Rugby's residency rule was still three years and Beirne had resurrected and rejuvenated his career with a two-year stint in Llanelli after he was released by Leinster.