Jamie Heaslip was told by supporters that he shouldn't have played for Ireland - because he was born in Israel.
Ironically that was the case because the retired back row star's father, a Brigadier General, was posted in the Middle East with UNIFIL.
And Heaslip has no time for people who claim the likes of Munster's Jean Kleyn - who only became eligible to wear the green jersey last Thursday after three years residency - shouldn't be picked for World Cup duty ahead of Irish-born players.
“It is what is," said the former Leinster and Ireland star.
“It’s not like Ireland is the only place it happens. I’ll never go against the guy for trying to make it somewhere else and making a career out of it.
"Fair play to him. You’ve got to respect the guy from leaving his home to pursue this and others, too - CJ (Stander), Richardt (Strauss), Bundee (Aki).
" It’s a brave choice. I can see why people might get a little bit upset but I still think those guys will be like everyone else in that changing room and want to do the jersey proud regardless.
"Bloody hell, people gave out to me at times for not being Irish, because I was born in Israel."
Heaslip has never before revealed that he had been subjected to that treatment.
He continued: “I’ve been told I shouldn’t have played for Ireland because I’m not Irish, because I wasn’t born in the country.
"OK, my Dad was representing our nation in a peacekeeping capacity. How does that make me not Irish?
“Oh yeah, I’ve had people (do that). I always laughed, it was ‘Ah lads, you’ve lost the plot'.
“It happened at various different times. You know when they do the New Zealand and Australia teams of, ‘What they would look like if they were all born there?’ and I think they did one or two with Ireland.
"These are people who, in the same sentence, named ROG (Ronan O'Gara) as well because he was born in the States."
"But then, I had a funny moment as a commentator, and this is when I knew the world had gone mad - I got accused of having a Munster bias. We were covering Munster-Gloucester now!
"The world has gone mad."
Heaslip is pleased that World Cup have now increased the residency rule to five years.
"It means the person is invested in coming to the country," he said. "It’s a big sacrifice, five years. I’m pretty sure it’s in line with what it takes to get a passport in this country as well.
"I think it’s a fair change World Rugby identified.
"The other thing is, people can’t help where they’re born or born into or whatever. It’s all about their actions in the here and now.
"Kleyn for example, took his opportunity (on his Test debut against Italy) on Saturday.
"As a player, you get your chance to take the jersey off the peg and put it back on. He took it off the peg, wore it well and put it back on.
"in terms of being reflective of us being all inclusive which, as a country, we’re trying to be. it’s a good reflection of that.
"If you look at the demographic had now it’s changing, I think it’s exciting in Ireland. Our country is made up of people from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures, we’ve been very open".
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