Marmion targets regular run-out
New Ireland international Kieran Marmion wants to nail down a permanent place in the squad having made his debut against Argentina on Saturday.
Marmion, who was an unused replacement in last year’s summer tour to Canada and the United States, said it was a dream come true to make his international bow.
“It’s great to get the opportunity and all the hard work to pay off,” he said. “I was delighted to get out on the pitch.
“Obviously after last year not getting on, I was just happy to get out there to get a run-out.”
He started 26 of Connacht’s competitive games this season and came off the bench in the other two - it was the second straight season in which he has played in every league game.
The target now for the 22-year-old is to maintain that consistency and remain part of Joe Schmidt’s plans for the Rugby World Cup.
“Obviously, that’s what we all want so to do that, we have got to go back and work hard with our regions and to try and push on from where we are now,” he added.
“I’m just going to keep working as hard as I can and keep putting the training in and see where it goes from there.”
Marmion immediately noticed the increase in intensity at international level and is now hoping Ireland can wrap up the series against the Pumas in Tucuman on Saturday.
He said: “It was obviously a step up, even in training and stuff, it’s all a step up so it’s a great experience and something to take on board for when we go back and play with our regions.
“We are going to try and get the win again on Saturday It’s the first time that an Irish team have won in Argentina so to take the series would be even better.”
