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.

He had the talent to play almost anywhere and some days with Roscrea he was unplayable; he’d score two or three tries’

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).

Ulster back row Cormac Izuchukwu and Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy are handed their Ireland debuts with Sam Prendergast given a first start at fly-half for Saturday's game against Fiji.