Cormac Izuchukwu feels ‘a foot taller’ for pulling on an Ireland jersey - The 6ft 7in Ulster player was praised by head coach Andy Farrell.

Cormac Izuchukwu reflected on the rapid progress of recent months that culminated in a history-making afternoon against Fiji yesterday. The Ulster flanker was denied a debut Test try at the Aviva Stadium due to Mack Hansen's forward pass.

He may have taken the road less travelled but Cormac Izuchukwu couldn't be any happier with where he's landed.

Cormac Izuchukwu is set to make his Ireland debut this weekend against Fiji after being named in the starting lineup by boss Andy Farrell. The Ulster back row has long been biding

Gus McCarthy and Coramc Izuchukwu are to make their debuts for Ireland as they have been named to start against Fiji in the Aviva stadium on Saturday. McCarthy will start at hooker, while Izuchukwu will start at flanker for Ireland, as Andy Farrell makes a number of changes from the side who defeated Argentina.

It's been class and this week in particular was really special. I've been blown away by how much the lads really got around me and made it special.”