Mack Hansen says he didn't know if he’d get another shot with Ireland after a lengthy injury lay-off.
The Connacht wing has been a regular under head coach Andy Farrell since making his debut in February 2022.
He helped the team to the 2023 Grand Slam, played in all five World Cup games and scored the crucial try in the 13-8 win over South Africa in the pool stages.
However, a shoulder injury kept him out of action from January to September and he missed out on another Six Nations title and a series draw with South Africa.
In his absence, Calvin Nash took his chance with the Munster wing starting in all seven games, while Leinster's Jamie Osborne looked secure in his two starts at full-back against the world champions.
But Hansen had enough credit in the bank and was handed the 14 jersey for last Friday’s Autumn Nations clash with New Zealand, which ended in a 23-13 loss.
"You get to a period of being injured, especially as long as I was, that you never know if you’re going to get the opportunity again," the 26-year-old (below) said as the team prepare to welcome Argentina on Friday.
"Things like that kind of go through your head especially with the way the guys were playing.
"Still winning Six Nations and [drawing] tours like when I was away and stuff so.
"A lot of guys really stepped up and played great, like Nashy and Jamie and those sort of guys coming through.
"So, yeah, things like that do go through your head and to get it again was another dream come true almost.
"It’s not like I was out of the team and things were going badly.
"It’s a hard one to kind of navigate through. Saying that, very happy obviously for how the team and how the guys were going but on the other hand you are thinking from time-to-time, 'ah gees, will I
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