14 Feb 2019 12:27:01
There is so much being written about Rice’s decision to play for England instead of Ireland. I fully understand the massive disappointment of Irish nationals as well as the satisfaction expressed by those with allegiance to England.

The opinions of others have no value.

The bottom line is that it is within the rules.

That’s it. Period.


1.) 14 Feb 2019
14 Feb 2019 13:33:49
The problem is with the rules it would be far simpler that you play for the country where you were born or the nationality of your parents that way you could only play for 1 of 3 countries once you have played for 1 country at any level then that's it

I know that there are Players that may never get to play in tournaments such as the World Cup and countries that rely on Players that are not good enough for a larger country but maybe that could be a good thing

I wonder if Rice would ever have chosen Ireland as a youth player if these had been the rules.

Can I also say that the Statement Rice put out was one of the most considered I ever read.

{Ed002's Note - I would certainly draw a line across after the first senior game - friendly or not.}


2.) 14 Feb 2019
14 Feb 2019 16:25:24
I just moved to Dublin 3 weeks ago, and it's the headline story on the news on the radio. quite some uproar here that's for sure.
I don't think a decision you take as a 15-18 year old should determine the rest of your football career, however I agree with Ed002 that a senior cap, whether friendly or not, maybe should be it.


3.) 14 Feb 2019
14 Feb 2019 17:03:32
Whilst the Ed002 view is a reasonable one and so, I imagine would other ideas be, Rice agreed to play for Ireland under the current rules and may already have thought ahead. We don’t know, but he comes across as a lad who thinks things through carefully.

In my view, both he and England are more likely to have a better chance in international competitions with him in the side. You cannot realistically make the same argument with Ireland.


4.) 15 Feb 2019
15 Feb 2019 19:26:44
I know it has been said before but we have a real chance of winning a major tournament with some of the youngsters we have coming through and with the young players already played at a senior major tournament it was a bit of a no brainer really. Just a bit surprised it took him as long as it did to make the decision.


5.) 17 Feb 2019
17 Feb 2019 11:12:47
I think we have to be careful not to look at it through English rose coloured spectacles. Once a player has played at Senior level, friendly or not the choice is made . look at Ryan Giggs.