'You just hope you get the chance' - Hannah O'Connor living the dream on tour of Japan

It speaks to the nature of the Ireland squad currently in Japan, that even with just 12 caps in Test rugby, Hannah O'Connor can count herself as one of the more experienced in the group.

With eight uncapped players in the travelling squad of 28, some of whom are still in their teens, O'Connor is among a core group of forwards who have multiple campaigns behind them,

Captain Nichola Fryday is the longest serving, while Linda Djougang, Edel McMahon and even 22-year-old Dorothy Wall can also bring some experience and stability to a largely inexperienced touring party.

However, regardless of their experience, this tour of Japan is new to all of them. A first of its kind for an Irish women's team, the extended time on the road together and the challenges that brings will be a departure from the norm.

It's also providing some players a taste of what could become the routine. With the IRFU recently announcing the introduction of professional contracts for elite players, O'Connor says the last few days are exposing them to what life as a full-time athlete could be.

"It will be hugely beneficial," O'Connor says of the incoming contracts.

"We're getting a bit of a snippet of that now, having been together just over a week. It's so beneficial being together for a long period of time. You can go out on the pitch, have your two sessions and still come back together knowing you can replicate it the next day.

"It makes a massive difference in terms of recovery, nutrition, it's definitely a step in the right direction. It can only go up from here.

"It's the best feeling in the world. I love my summer rugby because as a teacher I get the abuse for having two months off. It's the best feeling, you can train day-in and day-out as a