Billy Holland maintains focus on Munster mission

Munster forward Billy Holland is refusing to get his hopes up for a World Cup spot later this year, but after a ‘short and sweet’ introduction to the Ireland squad, he admits he’d jump at the chance to represent his country.

Yet to be capped, Holland (29) was called in as cover to Joe Schmidt’s squad during the Six Nations last month. That stint only lasted a couple of days, but after leading the line for Munster as they picked up three wins and a draw without their internationals, Holland has surely moved up the national pecking order.

The Cork-born lock is expected to line out alongside Paul O’Connell in Saturday’s trip to Murrayfield to take on Edinburgh in the Pro12 and he is hoping that a strong finale to their season can reap rewards on the home front – even if that doesn’t result in Ireland caps.