Here we go again.

Ireland boss Joe Schmidt surprised us all this afternoon when he decided to name Jean Kleyn in his 31-man Rugby World Cup squad, with mainstay Devin Toner losing out.

Kleyn qualified for Ireland through residency, becoming eligible only last month before making his debut against Italy. And of course, the usual rhetoric has been immediately thrown out as Ireland select another “overseas mercenary” in their squad over a native in Devin Toner.

Former Ireland international Luke Fitzgerald has been very vocal about Schmidt’s decision to select Kleyn over his old pal Toner, as has, surprisingly, World Rugby vice president Agustín Pichot.

Looking like South Africa v South Africa ‘A’ in the World Cup QF…if all goes to plan #brokensystem #theshaftofallshafts

— luke fitzgerald (@lukefitz11) September 2, 2019

If I was Devin Toner ….. I will be asking WR for answers. I feel sorry for him; nothing against for who was properly selected for the RWC19 by the way. But feel that way.

— agustin pichot (@AP9_) September 2, 2019

While it’s common knowledge he does not like the residency rule, with the former Pumas scrumhalf playing a huge role in getting it extended to five years from three, it’s truly bizarre that he has decided to comment on this individual case.A number of nations have taken advantage of the residency rule when naming their World Cup squads, with one Twitter user pointing out that Ireland only have three non-natives in their squad, which is likely the least amount in their pool, never mind the tournament.

Three residency qualified players in the Ireland squad. They won’t even be the team with the most residency qualified players in their group, let alone the World Cup.#annoyedhisfriendgotdropped

— Jer Higgins (@JerryHiggins86) September 2, 2019