Isaac Boss plans to fight for a place in the Irish World Cup squad

At 25, Boss, whose grandmother was born in Co Antrim coastal town of Glenarm, is going to give his new life in Ireland a real go.

"It's something I've always had in my mind and wanted to do. It's just sort of come along now," said Boss.

"My goal is to get over there and have and try to get into an Irish squad for the next World Cup."

Boss, who is due to arrive in Ulster before the Heineken Cup deadline at the end of September, has a pressing engagement at home before he travels.

"I don't want too much of a focus on that right now because I've still got a lot to do here in New Zealand and I'll have plenty of time to think about Ireland when I'm over there," said Boss, who is an Irish passport holder.

He takes over the Waikato number nine jersey from All Blacks scrum-half Byron Kelleher and he intends to keep it until he leaves New Zealand.

"It's awkward, not being available for the whole season, but I'm not even worried about that at the moment," Boss said.

"I'm just playing it like a normal season and I can't wait to get out there and mix it up with the boys. I'm pretty privileged to have that time with them before I go."

Boss could be travelling to Ireland missus his Hamish-style wispy beard that first appeared last year.

"I think it might be going soon. I think it's done its dash," Boss said. "I've got to please mum before I go overseas."