Cormac Izuchukwu hailed Richie Murphy for giving him a chance at Ulster after making his international debut for Ireland in Saturday’s 52-17 win over Fiji at the Aviva Stadium.

Ulster's Cormac Izuchukwu was playing most of his rugby in the All-Ireland League a year ago but on Saturday made his Ireland debut against Fiji.

He may have taken the road less travelled but Cormac Izuchukwu couldn't be any happier with where he's landed.

Cormac Izuchukwu is set to make his Ireland debut this weekend against Fiji after being named in the starting lineup by boss Andy Farrell. The Ulster back row has long been biding

Ulster back row Cormac Izuchukwu and Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy are handed their Ireland debuts with Sam Prendergast given a first start at fly-half for Saturday's game against Fiji.

As forecast, Andy Farrell has given Test debuts to the 21-year-old Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy and the 24-year-old Ulster flanker Cormac Izuchukwu in making seven changes to the Ireland starting line-up for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 3.10pm).

Ulster back-rower Cormac Izuchukwu and fellow uncapped prospect Gus McCarthy have been named in Ireland’s starting XV for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series match against Fiji in Dublin.

Jamie Osborne is named at full-back for his first start; Sam Prendergast is set for his first Test start at fly-half; uncapped pair Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu both handed debuts by Ireland head

Gus McCarthy and Coramc Izuchukwu are to make their debuts for Ireland as they have been named to start against Fiji in the Aviva stadium on Saturday. McCarthy will start at hooker, while Izuchukwu will start at flanker for Ireland, as Andy Farrell makes a number of changes from the side who defeated Argentina.

It's been class and this week in particular was really special. I've been blown away by how much the lads really got around me and made it special.”