I’d relish a few Moore Irish caps

ON the same week he goes Zebre hunting, Ulster prop Marty Moore insists he hasn’t given up hope of escaping the international wilderness.

Moore won the last of his 10 Irish caps in 2015 before a move from his native Leinster to Wasps put national service on hold.

Now back on Irish soil following a summer move to the Kingspan, the 27-year-old is eager to muscle his way back into Joe Schmidt’s plans.

Although he accepts it might take time, a commodity in short supply with Ireland’s opening World Cup pool game with Scotland in Japan just six months away.

Moore, part of Ireland’s Six Nations triumphs in 2014 and 2015, said: “It’s always in the back of the mind but it’s not something I’m part of at the moment.

“I know the only way to get there is through good form with my club and hopefully I can make an impression on that scene.

“My eyes are firmly on Ulster Rugby at the moment. The guys are in the middle of a Six Nations and it’s two co-existing worlds.”

Dan Mcfarland’s Ulster lie fourth in Conference B and face a scramble to make the knockout stages with six games to play.

Ahead of tonight’s home clash with Zebre, rooted to the foot of Conference B, Moore said: “Every point counts and we don’t want to be chasing our tails coming into April and needing to win four games in a row for a play-off spot.

HOPEFUL Moore has not given up on Irish selection