Ireland's policy of not selecting overseas players [except Johnny Sexton] has been a constant in recent years but it could be time to open things up. Alan Quinlan thinks though it's a big risk. 

A lot of people called for Simon Zebo to be drafted into the Irish side for the World Cup but Joe Schmidt continued to only select players who are contracted by the IRFU.

Could Andy Farrell change all of that though now that he is in charge? Quinlan thinks we should stick to our guns because otherwise, it could result in an exodus of players.

Speaking on Fridays' OTB AM, the Munster man said "It's a double-edged sword, if we had four of five Irish guys playing abroad and they're in different environments and exposed to different ideas.

"There would be a benefit in that but I think the problem is if you open the doors to start selecting people overseas you're going to have a lot of players go," Quinlan stated.

With the money that French and English clubs have, it is always a worry for the IRFU that Irish players could go abroad.

Bristol's Ian Madigan during the Gallagher Premiership match at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol

Taking the plunge 

The likes of Ian Madigan, Simon Zebo, Marty Moore and Donncha Ryan have already taken the plunge. Quinlan thinks it could have an impact on the game in Ireland as well.

"It may affect the game here and who knows maybe it is something that has to happen now? At the moment I think we shouldn't pick players who are overseas.

"It is something that could happen and again there is going to be so many debates about what we're doing wrong," the former Ireland international said.

Despite the pessimism around the team at the moment he thinks the next crop of players coming through are really promising.

"The excitement for me is that I have looked at a lot of the under 20s from last year and this year and there are some really quality players there.

"The quicker we can get some of those guys into the group the better," Quinlan said.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.