D’Arcy hails Irish intensity

GORDON D’ARCY claims he has never experienced the intense environment that currently exists in the game of rugby in this country.

D’Arcy, back into Ireland’s starting line up for Saturday’s Autumn International with Fiji at the RDS, is well aware that his performance will shape his future in Declan Kidney’s plans.

Notwithstanding the fact that the unfortunate long-term injury to Luke Fitzgerald has opened a window of opportunity for somebody to press for a vacant place in Ireland’s three-quarter line, D’Arcy says the competition within the squad as huge.