There's been plenty said about so called 'project players' in rugby, particularly in an Irish context. Take Jared Payne for example. The argument for his inclusion in the Irish squad is that he is a talented player who will benefit the team. The argument against his inclusion might go something along the lines of 'he wasn't born in Ireland so he doesn't have the same passion as someone else vying for the jersey".
It's possible that, in some circumstances, that opinion may have some merit, but it's certainly not the case for everyone. Case in point, newly called up France full-back Scott Spedding, who learned of his selection via French assistant coach Patrice Lagisquet and promptly showed the world what it meant to him.
The Bayonne player was born in South Africa and moved to France in 2008 to play originally for Brive before moving to Bayonne in 2012. As you can see from the interview, he's certainly dived head first into the French way of life.
It has been a long road to arrive at this. It is a huge moment in my life. It was always a dream for me but I never thought it would happen. I hope it is just the beginning. I already know 'Le Marseillaise'. I am French.
Each time a squad was announced since 2011 when I was eligible for selection and I wasn't in it I lost hope, although I kept the dream alive in a small locker in my head.
