Ulster's Cormac Izuchukwu was playing most of his rugby in the All-Ireland League a year ago but on Saturday made his Ireland debut against Fiji.

Cormac Izuchukwu is set to make his Ireland debut this weekend against Fiji after being named in the starting lineup by boss Andy Farrell. The Ulster back row has long been biding

Sam Prendergast set to make his first international start while Jamie Osborne looks like getting a run at fullback

Ulster back row Cormac Izuchukwu and Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy are handed their Ireland debuts with Sam Prendergast given a first start at fly-half for Saturday's game against Fiji.

Ulster back-rower Cormac Izuchukwu and fellow uncapped prospect Gus McCarthy have been named in Ireland’s starting XV for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series match against Fiji in Dublin.

As forecast, Andy Farrell has given Test debuts to the 21-year-old Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy and the 24-year-old Ulster flanker Cormac Izuchukwu in making seven changes to the Ireland starting line-up for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 3.10pm).

Jamie Osborne is named at full-back for his first start; Sam Prendergast is set for his first Test start at fly-half; uncapped pair Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu both handed debuts by Ireland head

It's been class and this week in particular was really special. I've been blown away by how much the lads really got around me and made it special.”

Towering back-row forward Cormac Izuchukwu felt a “foot taller” pulling on the Ireland Test jersey for the first time following a restless night ahead of his international debut. The 6ft 7in Ulster flanker impressed head coach Andy Farrell with his presence and athleticism during Saturday’s resounding 52-17 win over Fiji in Dublin.

He may have taken the road less travelled but Cormac Izuchukwu couldn't be any happier with where he's landed.