Denis Buckley hopeful of first Irish cap

Connacht prop Denis Buckley has his sights set on an international call-up as he prepares for another massive season with the Guinness PRO12 champions.

The 26-year-old loosehead is in regular contact with Joe Schmidt and national scrum coach Greg Feek and is hoping to finally win his first cap this season.

Buckley has played 96 times for Connacht and was one of the leading members of their drive for the league title against the odds last season.