Trimble intent on grabbing big opportunity

Yesterday’s media duties at Ireland’s Kildare team base provided Andrew Trimble with perhaps the most apt reference point on his return from exile to a starting slot in Joe Schmidt’s first Six Nations game in charge.

Omitted from the Kiwi’s first squad last November, the Ulster winger was called in as cover for injuries five days later but he played no part in any of the three match-day squads and was on broadcasting duties in the stands for the All Black game.

“I bumped into a few of you in the autumn in the media room and I thought I’d maybe be on that side in the future,” he said on the back of the litany of injuries to other wingers that facilitated his surprise elevation to the side.