Ireland boss Joe Schmidt feels World Rugby vice-president Agustin Pichot would be better off keeping his opinions to himself.
The Argentine yesterday tweeted that Devin Toner should question the sport's governing body after losing his place in Ireland's World Cup squad, seemingly to South African Jean Kleyn, who became Ireland-qualified just over three weeks ago, having fulfilled a three-year residency.
"If I was Devin Toner...I will be asking WR (World Rugby) for answers. I feel sorry for him; nothing against for who was properly selected for the RWC19 by the way. But feel that way," said the former Pumas scrum-half.
"Gus Pichot has number of big opinions but they are not ones that are relevant for us," said Schmidt, who departs for his native New Zealand after the tournament.
"Under the rules, we are entitled to pick guys who qualify. Considering he is involved in World Rugby, he could have a look at the rules as they were and not have so much to say.
"It's tough enough to do this job, it’s tough enough to have the conversation I did with Dev.
"In my time with Ireland, the qualification involvement is probably six to seven per cent. The rest are homegrown guys.
"They are not only homegrown but domiciled here apart from two years we used Johnny Sexton from Paris.
"I'm not sure I’m the most qualified to comment because I’m a blow-in myself and I’ll be blowing out soon."
Players like Bundee Aki, CJ Stander and Kleyn all became eligible under the old three-year stipulation that has not been extended to five.
Schmidt, who confirmed that Sexton would start against Wales on Saturday, added: "Gus Pichot has changed the rules, those rules will apply beyond this World Cup and they’ll apply as long as people feel that’s the right residency rule.
"But I would question, how much CJ Stander has committed to the local environment and Bundee Aki to his local environment.
"They are domiciled here, they have contributed to their local community. I'm not sure how long you’ve to do that before you’re accepted by those people.
"We were put under a lot of pressure when Bundee had his first game, a lot of people wrote things, but at the end of that season he was named Supporters’ Player of the Year.
"I think the majority, and maybe it’s a silent majority, will get fully behind this squad, be supportive and hope we can do as well as we can in Japan."
Obviously gutted not to be on the plane, thanks to everyone for their kind messages. Best of luck to all the lads involved 👍🏼
— Devin Toner (@DevinToner4) September 3, 2019
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