Irish captain Terry O'Connor has said that the Ireland squad participating in the Lincoln Rugby League World Cup are not rugby mercenaries. O'Connor is English born along with 12 other members of the 23-man squad, with only two actually born in Ireland. The other eight are Australian. However, O'Connor is upset by the criticism being fired at the squad members, suggesting they are not committed the Irish cause. "No one can say we are just a bunch of Englishmen or Aussies because we are all very proud of our Irish heritage and want to play for Ireland," he explained. "We have all turned our backs on England or Australia and we want to give the Irish something to be proud of. No-one can question our allegiance."
"My grandparents are Irish and I am proud that they were here to watch me lead an Irish side out. We all get a buzz out of singing the national anthem. It sent shivers down our backs," he added. However, despite the criticism, the Irish team have been getting great support from the home crowd. The 18-6 defeat of Scotland last night, which left them the only unbeaten team in Group Four was watched by just over 1,700 people with around 3,200 turning up for last weekend's victory over Samoa at Belfast's Windsor Park.
"It has been really good so far and the players appreciate the crowds coming out to support us. There is lots of talent in Ireland and we want to get people interested in the sport," added O'Connor.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
