Rugby league star Gary Connolly, who represented Ireland in the 2000 league World Cup, has set his sights on next year's rugby union World Cup in Australia.
The 31-year-old Wigan centre or full-back will switch codes after the weekend, resuming his career with the Warriors' sister club Orrell, and revealed today he plans to force his way into the reckoning with Ireland.
Connolly, who has Irish grandparents, has held talks with Ireland's defensive coach Mike Ford, a former Wigan player.
"I qualify for Ireland and there's always a chance of playing in the World Cup if I do well in rugby union," he said.
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"That's what I will be aiming for and, if it comes, it will be something special. They're looking for players and I said I would be interested."