STUART: NO ARM DONE..

STUART MCCLOSKEY feared he had broken his arm against South

Africa – but just days later is ready to show why he should be in the Ireland centre conversation ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.

Mccloskey was named on the bench to face the Springboks last

Saturday, then was promoted to the line-up when Robbie Henshaw suffered a hamstring issue.

The Ulsterman made a superb start only to have to make way before the half hour mark, his arm in a makeshift sling (above). Nevertheless he was swiftly given the OK to resume training and will play against Fiji this weekend.

“Looking back on it I was pleased with how the 27-odd minutes went,” said Mccloskey. “I can take solace in that.

“I’ve been here so often, it’s not like it’s my first time in camp. I’m 30 years of age and have played a lot of rugby so I’m not as nervous any more. It’s just about going out and showing what I can do, not letting the moment get over you and play your own game.

“It’s just rugby. You’re unlucky at times, I was very disappointed at the time, but things have resolved themselves pretty well. Hopefully I’m looking alright for this week”

Ireland boss Andy Farrell has spoken of how unlucky Mccloskey has been in the past, that he has been the one to miss out due to the quality at centre of

Garry Ringrose,

Henshaw and Bundee Aki.

“I don’t think there’s as much of a gap, it’s that the guys are doing so well,” Mccloskey argued.

“Listen, I’d love to be in the reckoning for the World Cup but there’s a long time between now and then. I just want to play a few more games in the next year leading up to the World Cup, and to play 80 minutes would be great.”