Ross Molony is not giving up on his World Cup dream after previously coming close to a first Ireland cap but not making the Six Nations cut so far this year.
Molony, 28, was over the moon to earn a first-ever Test call-up for the 2021 summer series, when he came in for the USA and Japan games but didn't see any action.
Then Andy Farrell selected the Leinster second row for two Six Nations squads last year, for the Scotland and Italy games, but again there was no pay-off in terms of an appearance.
READ MORE: 'I'm going to f***ing take it': Ryan Baird on seizing his Six Nations chance against Italy
Molony's club boss Leo Cullen said in January that his player was unlucky not to make the Six Nations squad but that he remained on Ireland's radar.
However, when Tadhg Beirne suffered a campaign-ending ankle injury against France, it was Ulster's Kieran Treadwell who was brought in as a replacement - and it was Ryan Baird, who has played most of his rugby for Leinster at no 6 this season, who provided second row cover against Italy.
Nevertheless Molony has his eyes on the biggest prize of all - a place in Farrell's France 2023 squad - and his ambition is to do it without injuries clearing the path for him.
"Yeah it is my goal to get selected for the World Cup pre-season and then to get selected for the World Cup, it's 100% on my mind," he stated.
"With the landscape of rugby there are injuries but I want to be selected there - I want to be brought into those squads.
"I feel like I'm playing well. I'm still youngish, I suppose, so my motivation is still right up there. It's great to be called into squads and to see the next step up from club to Test match rugby.
"It's hugely motivating. When you get in, you want to get back in and obviously to get capped, yeah, it's massive, you get exposure and it probably drives your game.
"I won't lie to you, it can be frustrating watching some international games and thinking, 'I could be there'.
"It's motivating and then it falls back on me and how I perform for Leinster. You see outstanding players for Leinster go on and get pulled into those squads, so yeah, it's big.
"You spend your career growing up with these lads and you're playing European games with them and you're thinking, 'yeah (I can do it)'."
One player Molony takes great motivation from is Ross Byrne, who he has played alongside since primary school in St Michael's.
Byrne ended his 18-month Test exile when he was called up late against Australia in November and he started a Six Nations game for the first time last weekend.
"Yeah definitely, how he has performed for Leinster, he is getting rewarded for that and now he's fully in the squad," Molony said.
"If you look at the influence he has on games and his career path, he's been in and out of squads and the fact that he has been able to get back in, let's call it later in his career, it's highly motivating."
READ NEXT:
Graeme McDowell LIV prize money dwarfs Shane Lowry's Honda Classic payout
Maura Higgins shares video from viewing party as she watches Jake Paul v Tommy Fury
Tommy Fury leaves viewers 'in tears' after loving tribute to Molly Mae and daughter Bambi
Craig Casey reveals how close he came to missing first Six Nations start for Ireland
Ireland's Grand Slam hopes the last standing as Andy Farrell tells side to want it more v Scotland
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
