The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) revealed last month that they would not allow Britain to cherry-pick top players like Ulster's Stephen Ferris for a united Team GB.

The IRFU are the governing body for rugby union in the whole of Ireland, including the North, and Ireland competes as a united team in events like the World Cup and the Six Nations.

"I absolutely agree with that stance because that's way the federation works - representing North and South," Hickey told insidethegames.

"We would support them that it shuld remain that way.

"It would be like the senior team with someone in the North and opting out to play for Scotland.

"That can't happen at senior level.

"The rules of the game, as administered by the IRB (International Rugby Board), don't allow that so the same rules will have to apply for the Olympics."

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