Will Connors aims for Ireland return ahead of busy run with Leinster

Leinster back-row Will Connors is hoping a run of form with his province can put him back in the mix with Ireland.

Connors' breakout in 2020 saw him win his first caps for Ireland, as he made his debut at the end of that year in the Six Nations.

Continuing his form in 2021, injuries saw him in and out of Leinster in the years since, which has limited his appearances with Ireland to nine caps.

Huge competition in the back-row, which saw Josh Van Der Flier become the 2022 World Player of the Year, also made it difficult for Connors

Now fit and healthy ahead of Leinster's trip to Ulster on Friday, the 28-year-old is keen to make up for lost time, as he has had to watch Ireland's November games from home.

The 28-year-old also paid tribute to Cormac Izuchukwu, Gus McCarthy and Sam Prendergast, who made their first starts for Ireland against Fiji on Saturday.

"Credit to the lads, they were absolutely class when given their opportunity. That is testament to them as young lads coming through.

"From my own point of view, rugby is a funny game. Things can change quickly in a matter of weeks, it is a fast moving game like that.

"I will just keep knocking on the door, and like I said always, trying to cement my place in Leinster is important, and I will just keep trying my best."

This weekend will see the return of the URC, as Leinster begin an important block of the season in Belfast on Friday night.

With Champions Cup games against Bristol and Clermont on the horizon, as well as a derby against Munster, the next month couldn't be bigger.

For Connors, he relishes the biggest occasions, particlarly with competition for places so high in the back-row department at Leinster.

"Anyone in the 23 who gets an opportunity to be play in