Jack Conan aiming to make most of rare Ireland start against Wales

An impact player off the bench in the opening two rounds of the Guinness Six Nations, Jack Conan is aiming to hit the ground running against Wales on Saturday.

Interim head coach Simon Easterby will name his team this morning with Leinster number 8 Conan set to deputise for injured captain Caelan Doris.

Such has been the impact of the three-Test Lions starter in just over 30 minutes as a replacement in each of the wins over Scotland and England, it wouldn't have been a major surprise if Conan was included even if Doris hadn’t suffered a knee injury.

"It's great to get a run out, great to get a start," the 32-year-old said.

"[I was] happy enough with my performances in the last few weeks and [it was] nice to get a break there last week and reconvene and then get to a bit of work and then be hopping into training on Sunday and Monday.

"It's been a good few days and lads are excited.

"We get the opportunity to go on the weekend to make sure it doesn't pass me by and make the most of it.

"It's disappointing to lose Caelan, he's been fantastic the last two weeks and, please God, we get him back for France because he's been incredible leader both on off the pitch.

"He's playing incredibly well both for Leinster and Ireland the last few months.

"So I'm sure he's desperate to get back. He's obviously a fantastic player for us.

"But if I get more opportunity, I'll be looking forward to it."

Conan, set to win a 49th cap, played in all 10 games of Ireland’s winning 2023 and 2024 Six Nations campaigns, but started just twice.

It’s a role the Wicklow man (above) has adapted to, quickly putting aside any disappointment of not getting the starting berth.

"You can kind of see where you're at early on the week with how walk-throughs and training