Jamie Heaslip, right, and Sean O'Brien were identified by a UK-based NFL scout on a World Cup Dream Team selection

A UK-based NFL ambassador has selected three Irish rugby internationals that would not look out of place in American Football.

New Zealand and Australia will meet in the showpiece in Twickenham tomorrow and scouts representing the NFL have been attending the tournament in the hope of finding the next star of gridiron.

Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne has already made the transition across codes and Osi Umenyiora, the NFL’s London-born UK ambassador, told The Mirror that two players – including one from the Home Nations – will be approached after the conclusion of the World Cup.

“No doubt about it, the guys in question are genuine candidates. Their particular skill sets transfer over. We think they will be very good," he said.

Umenyiora, a two-time Super Bowl winner, has named his World Cup Dream Team and Ireland has three representatives.

In the offence, prop Cian Healy is named along with his Welsh counterpart Gethin Jenkins as guard. The 'Tullow Tank' Sean O'Brien, a strong offensive weapon for both Ireland and Leinster with his ball-carrying ability, is selected as offensive tackle, along with Welsh captain Sam Warburton.

The third member of Joe Schmidt's World Cup party to be included is Leinster's Jamie Heaslip.

The defensively sound backrower is chosen as the team's middle linebacker.

Umenyiora told the paper that he was focusing on key traits in players which could be transferred to the NFL.

"Rugby is a game where everything is played in front of you whereas the NFL is a 360 degrees game so players need to have good sense of their surroundings and great vision.”

OSI UMENYIORA’S RWC FANTASY TEAM

OFFENSE

Wide receiver: Mike Brown (Eng), Julian Savea (NZ)

Tight end: George North (Wal)

Centre: Dane Coles (NZ)

Guard: Ciaran Healy (Ire) Gethin Jenkins (Wal)

Offensive tackle: Sean O’Brien (Ire) Sam Warburton (Wal)

Quarterback: Dan Biggar (Wal)

Running back: Greg Laidlaw (Sco), Aaron Smith (NZ)

Kicker: Owen Farrell (Eng)

DEFENSE

Defensive end: Bismarck du Plessis (SA), Ross Ford (Sco)

Defensive tackle: Marcos Ayerza (Arg), Dan Cole (Eng)

Cornerback: Jonathan Joseph (Eng), Anthony Watson (Eng)

Outside linebacker: Dan Lydiate (Wal), James Haskell (Eng)

Middle linebacker: Jamie Heaslip (Ire)

Safety: Jerome Kaino (NZ), David Pocock (Aus)

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