Towering back-row forward Cormac Izuchukwu felt a “foot taller” pulling on the Ireland Test jersey for the first time following a restless night ahead of his international debut. The 6ft 7in Ulster flanker impressed head coach Andy Farrell with his presence and athleticism during Saturday’s resounding 52-17 win over Fiji in Dublin.

Cormac Izuchukwu was robbed of a debut Test try at the Aviva Stadium but otherwise it was a day to remember for the 24-year-old

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

Ulster back-rower Cormac Izuchukwu and fellow uncapped prospect Gus McCarthy have been named in Ireland’s starting XV for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series match against Fiji in Dublin.

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.”