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 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.

Leinster Academy hooker Gus McCarthy and Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu will make their debuts for Ireland against Fiji on Saturday.

As forecast, Andy Farrell has given Test debuts to the 21-year-old Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy and the 24-year-old Ulster flanker Cormac Izuchukwu in making seven changes to the Ireland starting line-up for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 3.10pm).

Jamie Osborne is named at full-back for his first start; Sam Prendergast is set for his first Test start at fly-half; uncapped pair Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu both handed debuts by Ireland head

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.”