Scotland will consider bringing former Ireland scrumhalf John Cooney into their Six Nations squad when he becomes eligible next month, coach Gregor Townsend said at the official championship launch on Monday.
Dublin-born Cooney, 32, has 11 caps for Ireland but last played, as a replacement in the Six Nations, in 2020 and has a Scottish-born father which makes him eligible to switch allegiances from February 23rd.
The Ulster player said in January that his father would be “immensely proud” if he were capped for Scotland.
World Rugby’s rules allow a capped player to switch allegiance after a three-year cooling off period as long as they meet eligibility requirements.
World Cup 2026 European qualifiers draw: All you need to know about Ireland’s potential group
Irish rugby is a good place to be, thanks to people such as Dave Fagan
No game illustrated the widening gulf between Europe’s elite and the rest than Toulouse’s mauling of Ulster
Provinces gear up for more European action as rugby pays tribute to Dave Fagan
“I spoke to John when the rule change came about,” Townsend told reporters. “He actually reached out to me just to let me know it would be something that he’d consider. A lot of his family live in Scotland.
“In terms of timelines, he's not available until later on in the championship so obviously it wasn't something we considered for the beginning.
“We'll look when he's available and whether we feel it's right to bring him in terms of his performances compared to the nines we have here ... (and) what it will require of him getting up to speed with how we play.
“It will be challenging for someone coming into a championship but it's great to know that he was keen to be involved with us and adds to our depth at scrumhalf.”
Only half of Scotland's 40-man squad came through the domestic system and the list includes London-born wing Ruaridh McConnochie, who played for England at the 2019 World Cup.
[ Munster outhalf Ben Healy named in Scotland squad for Six NationsOpens in new window ]
Former Australia backrow Jack Dempsey is another player who made the switch to Scotland last year after qualifying through his grandfather.
McConnochie can become the first player to represent England and Scotland in the modern era and has defended the rule allowing players to switch sides.
“Your career is short. Why shouldn't you go for the most you can?,” he said after being named in the squad. “My dad is a very proud Scot. He has supported Scotland all his life and played or had a trial with Scottish Schoolboys.”
Scotland finished fourth in the 2022 tournament and Townsend felt they had improved a lot since then but would need to show it in a stand-alone tournament that had never been at such a high level.
Townsend’s men start their campaign against England at Twickenham on February 4th.
