Rugby: Crusaders prop Oli Jager outlines desire to represent All Blacks over Ireland

Crusaders prop Oli Jager has nailed his colours to the mast on where his test future lies, wanting to represent the All Blacks over Ireland.

Jager, 26, was born in London, but raised in Ireland, before moving to New Zealand in his teens.

After coming up through the ranks with Canterbury at provincial level, the front-rower has become one of the first names on the team sheet for the Crusaders at tighthead prop this season.

The Crusaders.
The Crusaders. Photo credit: Image - Photosport

So far, Jager has started six of the Crusaders' nine matches in Super Rugby Pacific, as Scott Robertson's side look to claim their sixth trophy in as many years.

But with All Blacks coach Ian Foster admitting front row as a troublesome area for selection - along with loose forward and midfield - the door could be open for a player like Jager to earn his way into the black jersey.

And after basing himself in New Zealand for most of the last decade, he makes no bones about which nation he wants to represent.

"I think I've made it pretty clear in the last couple of years that I want to be an All Black," Jager said. "I've put a lot of effort into it and I've stayed in New Zealand - this is my sixth year in Super Rugby.

"I've been here long enough that I really feel part of New Zealand and I really feel like I've got a lot of friends in that team.

"My whole life is in New Zealand now. I've got a fiance from the South Island and all that kind of stuff.

"I've put a lot of effort in and I'd love to see myself become an All Black one day."

Coincidentally, if Jager were to earn an All Blacks call-up in the near future, his first test outing could just be against Ireland.

The Irish travel to New Zealand in July for a three-test series, as the All Blacks hunt revenge for a 29-20 defeat in Dublin on last year's northern tour.

But faced with the prospect of divided loyalties in a clash between two of the world's best, Jager is happy to sit on the fence.

"I'm looking forward to the games, obviously. I think they're going to be very enjoyable to watch.

"It's going to be one hell of a tour for the Irish, that's for sure. I've got a couple of mates in the team, so it'll be good to catch up with them, if I can.

"But if you go back to the game last November, where the All Blacks went to Ireland and Ireland ended up coming out on top, they'll come up with high hopes.

"I've got to say, I've got more friends in the ABs team and I want to see them do well.

"I'll probably stay neutral for now."

Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Crusaders v Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific clash