Rugby Championship : Nankivell Eyes Ireland Call-Up as Next Project Player

Alex Nankivell, former Maori All Black, sets his sights on playing for Ireland as he steps up with Munster. The Auckland-born centre joined Munster in 2023 after six successful years with the Chiefs. He qualifies for Andy Farrell’s squad in October 2028, when he’ll be 32, but he’s already dreaming of donning the green jersey. Nankivell shares, “My dream growing up was to play international rugby, and that was for the All Blacks. But now, the closer opportunity is to qualify to play for Ireland.” Inspired by fellow Kiwis James Lowe and Bundee Aki, Nankivell aims to carve out his own path. He admires Ma’a Nonu’s evolution and hopes to bring that versatility to the Test arena. “Being a rugby player, you want to play at the pinnacle of the game,” he adds. Nankivell is ready to embrace the challenge and represent Ireland on the international stage.