'I'm desperate to be back' - Burns' Ireland desire still there

Ulster out-half Billy Burns believes he's a different player and is "desperate" to get back into the Ireland fold.

The 29-year-old won the last of seven Irish caps against Japan in the summer of 2021 before falling down the pecking order behind Johnny Sexton, Joey Carbery and Ross Byrne.

Subsequently, Jack Crowley emerged as an Andy Farrell favourite during the World Cup, while Harry Byrne and Jack Carty have claims of their own.

Burns knows he's remembered for missing a kick to touch in that season’s Six Nations clash against Wales that cost Ireland a chance to score a late winner.

With Sexton now retired, and with no successor anointed, there’s is perhaps a chance at redemption.

He started Ulster’s fine Champions Cup victory over Racing 92 in December and was man of the match in Monday’s BKT URC win over Leinster at the RDS.

In terms of timing, his hand has shot up, with three try-assists off his boot.

Ulster boss Dan McFarland described the Bath native as "one of the best in the game" at kick-passing.

"Oh, massively," Burns tells RTÉ Sport when asked after the 22-21 victory in Dublin if the desire to represent Ireland is still there.

"Everyone wants to play at the top level and I feel like I'm a much different player to what I was when I was in the last time.

"I've just learned a lot. I went in there and I probably didn't express myself. I feel like I can handle the pressure a lot better than I did the last time.

"And that's not necessarily the obvious mistakes, the mis-hit into touch against Wales. Just generally around the place.

"But, sorry to say it, I've just got to keep playing well and see what happens.

"I'm loving my time with Ulster. We all genuinely believe in the direction we're going in, we're trying to change the way