Lynch reluctant to press Ireland claim
Castleford prop Andy Lynch is tempted by the prospect of putting up his hand to play for Ireland in the World Cup at the end of the 2017 season.
The 37-year-old is proud of his Irish roots, but is reluctant to take the place of younger players who have shown more commitment to the Irish cause over the last four years.
Lynch has spoken to Ireland coach Mark Aston on a number of occasions about playing for the Wolfhounds in the past, but injury has prevented him pulling on the green jersey.
“It’s hard to say, it’s still preseason,” he told Love Rugby League.
“I don’t know if it’s right to say it, but I can’t just put my hand up now when I’ve never done it before.
“I’ve had conversations with Mark before about playing, but with the injuries I’ve had I haven’t played.
“I can’t just put my hand up and say I want to play because the World Cup is on.
“It’s tough on the other guys, because people work really hard and their goal is to get into that Ireland squad at the end of the year.
“It’s only fair that those players who work hard all year don’t miss out and play in that squad.
“It’s still early days, I’ll see how things go.”
Scotland‘s display in the recent Four Nations tournament, where they were the first fourth-ranked side to take points off the top three, with their draw against New Zealand at Workington.
“I think what’s we want, we need competitive games at international level,” he added.
“It can’t just be England, New Zealand and Australia with just a fourth team to make the numbers up.
“Scotland showed when they played the Kiwis, that the quality coming through is getting better and better.
“The only way to get better is to play these teams year on year. If we can do that it’s better for the game.
“If you spread games to France, Wales and Ireland, and more people you get watching and playing, it’s going to be better for rugby league in general and the longterm development.
“Ireland v England would be a good game, because there’s a bit of rivalry there.”
Lynch also thinks that seeing more players from elsewhere in Europe playing in Super League would give the game a boost at the moment.
“Of course it would,” he said.
“The young lads who play for Ireland who aren’t involved in Super League, they’re potential in the shop window.
“It’s a goal for them to get in the Ireland team, then it’s another goal to impress and get a Super League contract.
“That’s what you want. They can impress. If we can get more from France, Wales, Ireland and the rest involved in Super League, thenit’s only better for us as a sport.”
