Any lingering hope of tempting London Irish's prodigious outhalf-cum-centre Shane Geraghty to declare allegiance to the land of his father ended this week with his selection for England's Six Nations training squad.
The 20-year-old's decision cannot, however, be attributed to apathy on the part of the IRFU.
The Irish Times can reveal Eddie O'Sullivan made contact with Geraghty back in October with the offer of selection for Ireland A against Australia in November. Geraghty refused.
Though it becomes official only when Geraghty togs out for England at senior or A level, it seems certain the former Ireland under-16 international - whose father hails from Castlebar and whose elder brother Kieran played under-21 for Ireland - has made a definitive decision.
Despite overtures from the IRFU dating back three years, it seemed inevitable Geraghty would choose England after he was included in their sevens panel earlier this season.
He was also heavily influenced by Brian Ashton when the new England head coach was in charge of the England Academy.
"I'm delighted and surprised to be included in the Six Nations squad," said Geraghty in reaction to selection. "It's a great honour to be named in the same squad as players like Jason Robinson, Phil Vickery, Martin Corry and Mike Catt. I'm fortunate that Mike is also involved as I can continue to benefit from his great experience at international as well as club level."
His strong connection with Catt, a mentor at London Irish who at 35 received a surprise recall to Ashton's new-look squad, allied to the patent lack of opportunity for the Irish players based at London Irish, seemed to tip the scales towards England.
In recent seasons, opportunities for international honours have been practically non-existent for Bob Casey, Barry Everitt and Kieron Dawson (now Ulster).
Geraghty's form this season, most notably his try-scoring display against Ulster in the Heineken European Cup, has fast-tracked his international candidacy but, depending on Jonny Wilkinson's state of health, he may have to be content with selection for the England Saxons or under-21s in the upcoming Six Nations.
Nevertheless, Geraghty's natural ability is undeniable and he has been courted by the English union since graduating from the Bristol rugby hotbed, Colston's College. He particularly impressed playing for England at the 2004 under-21 World Cup in Argentina, when just 18.
"It's only in the last few days that Shane made up his mind," said London Irish PRO Paddy Lennon. "It was a logical decision as he has played all his representative rugby since under-18 for England. Also, working alongside Jon Callard in the English Academy ensured his kicking game has flourished."
Meanwhile, Alan Quinlan's appeal against a six-week suspension for stamping was adjourned yesterday until next Tuesday so the independent appeals committee - chaired by Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and also comprising Matthew Lohn and Robert Horner (both England) - could clarify certain issues raised by Munster.
The hearing, which lasted four hours, was Munster's attempt to contest the ERC decision to find the Ireland international flanker guilty on December 20th following an incident in the European Cup victory over the Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on December 16th.
