Ulster lock Cormac Izuchukwu is relishing working with the national side’s coaching staff on the Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa.
Andy Farrell’s assistants Simon Easterby and Paul O’Connell have been on the trip with Izuchukwu, who toured South Africa with the senior side in the summer without winning his first Test cap, having also been a member of the Emerging Ireland panel back in 2022.
“These trips are something special,” said the 24-year-old.
“Being around guys like Paulie, Simon Easterby and stuff like that. They’re unbelievable coaches, the best in the world.”
In what is the final fixture of the three-game tour, Emerging Ireland will face the Cheetahs on Wednesday hoping to build upon victories over Pumas and Western Force.
“On this trip especially, it’s a much younger squad but lads have really, really stepped up,” Izuchukwu added.
“It’s been a really short time from last Wednesday when we joined up. Every game has been one level above, hopefully on Wednesday we can get to that next level and make it three from three.”