Jack Conan: 'Fantastic' to end summer holidays with Ireland comeback

Jack Conan couldn't hide his delight after getting his World Cup campaign under way against Scotland.

The Leinster and Lions back row had been watching on from the sidelines since injuring his foot against Italy at the start of August.

The 31-year-old cut a lonely figure at times over the last two months, working hard in the gym and away from his team-mates as he rehabbed his foot.

But it was worth the wait when he sprinted out on the pitch at the Stade de France in the 48th minute to help see Ireland over the line against the Scots on Saturday.

"I've been here a few weeks on my holidays but the lads have been working hard and I’ve been doing sweet nothing rugby-wise," Conan (below) joked with reporters shortly after winning his 40th cap.

"No, it's fantastic to be out there.

"Obviously we started off incredibly well and you’re thinking I might get on a bit earlier here and get a few minutes. The lungs were hurting, I was blowing really hard but I was always going to be.

"There’s no amount of work in the gym or training that can get you really ready for international rugby, especially World Cups.

"So, I was blowing hard and I was happy enough with how it went. One silly penalty given away but, look, if I get the opportunity to play next week, I’ll be better again and I look forward to that challenge if I do.

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"[The occasion was] class. Just unbelievable.

"You don’t get to fully appreciate it when you’re not playing, it just doesn’t feel the same.