Ireland Rugby coach Joe Schmidt says it is fantastic to lead an Irish team on an Irish passport.
The New Zealander received Irish citizenship at a small ceremony in Dublin this morning, along with Richardt Strauss and Olly Hodges.
Joe Schmidt admitted to a certain level of nerves ahead of the World Cup:
Speaking at the ceremony, Frances Fitzgerald said, "as key members of the Irish rugby management and team Joe, Oliver and Richardt have, time and again, lifted the mood of the nation, made us proud to be Irish.
"Today, you go a step further. Your decision today indicates more than professionalism, more than commitment to a team. It indicates commitment to the wider team that is New Ireland. From today, you, too, will be proud to be Irish," she added.
The ceremony comes a day after the announcement of the Irish squad for this month's Rugby World Cup.
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