It has been just over a week since Niall Scannell fulfilled his ambition of becoming an Irish International. The Munster hooker faced a baptism of fire in Ireland's Six Nations match against Italy.

Scannell was left on the bench in the defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield, but was thrust into the starting line up just four hours before kick off in Rome. The 24 year old was handed the task of replacing captain Rory Best, when the Ulsterman was finally ruled out due to illness.

With Sean Cronin sitting out the Championship due to injury, there could be a number of opportunities for Scannell to make his mark in the coming weeks.  The Corkman is now hoping to play in front of an Irish crowd on home soil and would relish the chance to see out the game against France.