Jack Boyle buzzing and hungry for more after Ireland debut

Ireland's latest international Jack Boyle is thankful to senior props Cian Healy and Andrew Porter but wants to push his own claims for a starting berth.

The 22-year-old made his Test debut off the bench in round three of the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday, coming on for Porter for the final 10 minutes of Ireland's 27-18 win over Wales.

Boyle has moved quickly up the ranks, with just 18 Leinster appearances to his name since making his professional bow in February 2023.

Regular starter Porter and elder statesman Healy are ahead of him in the pecking order, but after getting his first taste of international rugby, Boyle is hungry for more.

"There's two unbelievable players and people ahead of me, Andrew Porter and Cian Healy," said Boyle, who put in four tackles and helped to win a crucial scrum penalty.

"Cian Healy presented me with my cap, it was unbelievably special. I knew I’d have to bide my time, be patient. I know I need to keep improving.

"It gives me a taster of what it’s like to play for Ireland, it only makes you hungry in the end. They’ve been a massive, massive influence.

"I suppose when I came into the set-up two or three years ago, it was not only Church [Healy] and Porter, but Tadhg Furlong as well.

"They’ve all been unbelievable people to me first and foremost; helping me off the pitch, making sure I have everything aligned so you can perform in training and perform if you get an opportunity.

"But look, it’s the small things really, it’s more so be yourself and enjoy the environment. Don’t be in yourself and don’t go into your shell.

"You need to express yourself as well. That was probably the main point from all of them.

"I suppose I’d always back myself. I always expected myself to be playing the big games,