Brian Carney, former Wigan and Great Britain rugby league player and current Sky Sports presenter, has called on Super League clubs to expand their scouting efforts to Ireland, as well as Scotland, Wales, and France. His comments come ahead of two Super League fixtures scheduled to take place in Dublin in April 2027, marking the first time the competition will hold matches in Ireland.

On April 24, Warrington is set to face Wigan at the RDS Arena in Dublin, followed by a match between St Helens and Hull FC the next day. These games represent a continuation of the Super League’s efforts to internationalize the competition, having previously held matches in locations such as Scotland, Wales, Spain, Australia, and the United States.

Carney, who was born in Ireland, emphasized the potential for discovering new rugby league talent across the Irish Sea. He highlighted that while the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia frequently draws from regions like Melanesia and Polynesia to find skilled players, Super League clubs have yet to fully tap into the Irish market. He noted that several capable athletes are already on the periphery of major teams and could potentially thrive in rugby league.

Despite the limited number of rugby league clubs currently operating in Ireland, Carney encouraged players involved in rugby union, Gaelic football, and hurling to consider switching codes or exploring rugby league opportunities. He pointed out that Gaelic footballers are among the country’s top athletes and that hurlers demonstrate exceptional skill, both groups potentially well-suited to rugby league.

Carney also urged Irish athletes interested in rugby league to attend matches and make themselves known to clubs, suggesting increased awareness could lead to greater opportunities in the sport. He expressed enthusiasm about the decision to bring Super League games to Dublin, viewing it as a positive step toward raising the profile of rugby league in Ireland and expanding its talent pool.

The upcoming Super League matches in Dublin may serve as a platform for showcasing Irish talent and encouraging stronger links between Irish sports communities and professional rugby league organizations.