Overview
- He played 34 matches in 2025 and six times on the Lions tour, starting all three Tests in Australia.
- After a five‑week break, he said his body felt fine but his mental state was not, and he initially denied anything was wrong.
- Coaches Phil Dowson and Sam Vesty reduced his training and game time, which he credits with getting him back on track.
- He says it took an extra two weeks to feel right, and a hamstring niggle later disrupted his autumn involvement.
- Steve Borthwick has used him at centre alongside Fraser Dingwall, including the defeat to Scotland, with Ireland up next in Dublin.