Wallabies coach Dave Rennie won't be calling on Tawera Kerr-Barlow just yet, but he's far from ruling it out in the future.
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Former All Blacks halfback and 2015 World Cup winner Kerr-Barlow made headlines on Thursday (NZ time) after reiterating his availability and willingness to play for Australia.
Born in Melbourne, the former Chiefs No 9 moved to New Zealand at the age of 13 and played 29 tests for the All Blacks.
He was now able to play for the Wallabies under a recent change to World's Rugby eligibility laws allowing players inactive internationally for 36 months to make a switch.
Rennie confirmed he received a call from Kerr-Barlow, who plays for French club La Rochelle, several months ago.
"He rung up just to say that if we got under any pressure and if there were injuries ... obviously he's born in Australia. He's a former All Black but the change of rules makes him eligible.
"He's a hell of a player [but] at the moment we'll be loyal to the guys we've got. It's probably our strongest position. We've got three excellent nines here and Ryan Lonergan behind that.
"But, as we've seen this year, things can change quickly. We'll certainly keep in contact with Tawera and it's a hell of a resource in behind what we've already got."
It appeared, though, that if Rennie did want to call-up Kerr-Barlow it would not be a straightforward situation.
The Wallabies coach also confirmed his former charge at the Chiefs would technically be ineligible as things stood due to Rugby Australia's rules around overseas players.
However, Rennie indicated there may be a way to make it work.
"All that sort of stuff is doable.
"Look, I haven't thought too hard about it but I know he's a great man and a hell of a player.
"We've got a guy who's a former All Black putting his hand up to play for the Wallabies, it's a good sign."
All Blacks coach Ian Foster, though, didn't appear quite as comfortable.
Asked about Kerr-Barlow potentially playing for Australia at New Zealand's team-naming media conference on Thursday, Foster expressed some unease.
"Look, it's just a consequence of World Rugby's eligibility laws. It kind of doesn't feel right to me, but rules are rules, and he's entitled.
"All I know is the beauty that he brought into the All Blacks camp, he's a quality person and quality rugby player, so there is no judgement on that decision.
"But what I remember from him is the influence he had in our environment, which is fantastic. To kind of think of that going somewhere else is a bit funny."
