Ireland firm on ignoring overseas-based players - Joe Schmidt
Johnny Sexton is a different player following a spell in France, according to Joe Schmidt
©PA
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt insisted that they will continue to overlook players plying their trade with the overseas clubs.
Even though the Irish Rugby Football Union does not have a policy in place to omit overseas players, boss Schmidt believes the decision was taken in the best interest of the players and the regional teams.
Citing the case of Jonny Sexton, who spent a two-year stint with Racing 92 in 2013, Schmidt said the star fly-half's spell with the French club continues to impact him even now.
"There is no policy, there is only an intention from the IRFU to best protect the provinces and the local game," said Schmidt.
"We believe that the best way to do that is to select from within Ireland.
"There's one player (Sexton) who went to Racing and was played for the first 12 games in the season, and I'm not sure he's ever had the same resilience since then.
"I think it's pretty self evident: Johnny (Sexton) hasn't played 12 games in a row since then and that's because you pick up the wear and tear and it's hard then to get that back.
"We're looking to add to the longevity of our players."
The British and Irish Lions star during his stint with Racing 92 stood down from action for three months after successive concussion issues.
Recently Munster wing Simon Zebo signed a new deal with Racing 92 - a move that cost his place in Ireland's autumn international squad. Despite the setback, Schmidt has not ruled out the chances of players from overseas returning back to the national fold.
"Simon signing for Racing is an opportunity for us," said Schmidt.
"Simon's had 35 Test matches, we know a lot about Simon.
"What we have done is try to back ourselves to keep people in the country. He's gone to Racing 92 which means he's in a country of 65 million people and 30 professional rugby teams: it's economies of scale.
"We can't necessarily compete, but we have our own ecosystem here that we tend to be able to hang on to the vast majority of players.
"When Ian Madigan went, Joey Carbery emerged. When Marty Moore went, Tadhg Furlong emerged.
"We've got 19 Test matches before the build-up to the World Cup. This is an opportunity for some of the other players.
"It's not a done deal as far as somebody not being able to play for Ireland from outside the country, but...
"No one (overseas) is ruled out. I spoke to Marty Moore, I've spoken to Tadhg Beirne who is coming back next year, I've spoken to Ian Madigan and a few others."
