Ireland's Jack Conan has expressed his determination to finally participate in a World Cup with Ireland this year. Despite not making the squads in 2015 and 2019 for various reasons, he did get the opportunity to join The 2021 British and Irish Lions tour.
However, he has never featured for Ireland at a World Cuo
At the age of 31, the Wicklow native believes that this year's tournament in France will be his last chance to make his mark on the world stage. He acknowledges that while he has played in the Six Nations and other competitions, the World Cup holds a special significance for him.
"I definitely feel like I haven't had the opportunity to perform on the world stage. Obviously, I’ve played in the Six Nations and stuff, New Zealand last year and whatever else, but the World Cup is definitely something special," he said.
Given his age profile, Conan is uncertain if he'll still be playing at the highest level four years from now. He is excited to give his best performance in the upcoming warm-up games and, if selected, in the World Cup, to showcase his abilities on such a grand stage.
"With my age profile, I’m not sure I will be knocking around in four years time. So I am excited to be at my best and put my hand up in these few warm-up games and then hopefully into the World Cup to show what I can do on that big stage," he said.
Reflecting on the past, Conan admits that he didn't fully appreciate the gravity of representing Ireland in a World Cup during the Japan tournament in 2019. However, his experiences there have now helped him understand the privilege and honour of being part of the current Ireland team.
"Not that I wasn’t grateful four years ago, maybe I just didn’t grasp the magnitude of playing for Ireland in a World Cup but I think because of the experiences I had in Japan they definitely make me appreciate the position I’m in at the moment.
Conan also mentioned a difficult time he had coming back from a foot injury, which tested his perseverance and mental strength. Nevertheless, it made him grateful for the opportunities he has worked hard to achieve, and it has fueled his hunger to participate in the World Cup once again.
"I think every injury changes you. For the most part it changes you in a good way. It definitely tests your perseverance and your mental fortitude. "I had a really difficult time coming back from that foot injury. It was incredibly slow and it made me grateful too for the life I have and the opportunities that I’ve worked hard to get, but the opportunities that have come to me over the last few years.
Looking ahead, Conan hopes to bring this newfound appreciation and determination into the upcoming weeks. He emphasises that the World Cup means much more to him now and is ready to give his all for the chance to represent his country on that stage once more.
"Bowing out on that stage in the World Cup and getting injured just makes you so much hungrier to do it again, to get another shot at it. “Hopefully I can take that into the next few weeks. It definitely means a hell of a lot more to me now.”
Ireland's game against Italy is scheduled to kick off at 8pm on Saturday.
