Ross Byrne has got the nod at out-half for Ireland against England in the Autumn Nations Cup this Saturday afternoon.
It's just a second test start in green for the Leinster fly-half and his first start for Ireland since the record 42-point loss at Twickenham in August 2019.
Byrne would then be overlooked for the Rugby World Cup squad, with then head-coach Joe Schmidt instead taking Jack Carty to Japan.
“I think I’ve come a long way, obviously playing most weeks for Leinster makes a big difference," Byrne said of his development since that loss in London.
“I think the more game time you get, the more experience, certainly in the big games, makes a huge difference.
"So I think my all-round game has been developing nicely. I definitely feel like I’ve put myself in a good place.”
Byrne is contesting with Ulster Billy Burns to be first back-up to captain Johnny Sexton. Former England under-20 player Burns won his first cap against Wales last week and Byrne says it's good to have options at out-half.
"I suppose it’s great having three 10s who probably view the game in slightly different ways.
"We can all pick little things off each other and the overall aim is to make sure Ireland is going forward in the right direction.”
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