Nick Timoney says the years of patience required to earn a place in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squads have made him especially grateful for his recent chances. The Ulster back row, who made his Test debut against the USA in 2021, spent four years battling for game time, adding only two caps before a breakthrough in 2026 saw him start three of nine Ireland matches across the Six Nations and Nations Championship. Timoney, now 31, reflects on the “embarrassment of riches” at back row, noting regulars such as Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan and the retired Peter O'Mahony limited his opportunities. He credits coaches and the Irish set‑up for keeping the door open, drawing inspiration from Stuart Mc Closkey’s late‑career resurgence. The gratitude extends to his starting role in the win over Argentina and the chance to compete for a coveted spot against South Africa on 21 Nov, where he may face van der Flier. Timoney’s mantra is to cherish each appearance, enjoy the moment and use the wait to sharpen his game, hoping to lock down a regular berth in the green shirt.
Looking ahead, Timoney acknowledges the fierce competition in the back‑row and the uncertainty of selection. “If you get a chance, you want to take it and give a good enough account of yourself that you get another chance,” he says, stressing the need to stay ready for unexpected opportunities. With Fiji next in Dublin and a target of a fourth win from five Nations Championship games, Timoney aims to keep performing, believing that gratitude and focus will translate into better play on the field.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing