Luke Fitzgerald is making his own luck

In as competitive an arena as the battle for places in Ireland’s backline at this World Cup, Luke Fitzgerald believes his resilience in overcoming a series of serious injuries gives him the mindset to thrive in the white heat of a Test match.

These are uncertain days for the players in Joe Schmidt’s squad as the head coach keeps them guessing on selection for Sunday’s Pool D clash with Italy at London’s Olympic Stadium. Yet having dealt with several long periods on the sidelines as his body has succumbed to serious injury and been forced to contemplate premature retirement, Fitzgerald, 28 feels he is a player for when the going gets tough.

“Definitely the journey shapes a lot of your mindset in these scenarios. I feel like you have an advantage in that if you do get setbacks ... mentally I know I can come back from things that seem maybe insurmountable to some people. I feel that’s a big advantage I have... my own belief in myself, what I’m capable of and what I bring to the table. They are strong things to have in the squad. I feel like I’m a guy you want in a tough situation in a game.