Byrne: Training 'up a notch in intensity' as players fighting for place on plane to France

Ross Byrne said as the competitive needle inside the camp takes another jolt towards maximum on the dial with the first warm-up assignment against Italy fast approaching at the Aviva on August 5.

ROAD TO WORLD CUP: Ireland internationals Peter O’Mahony, Iain Henderson and Ross Byrne are pictured at the launch of the new Canterbury jerseys, which are on sale now at Canterbury.com, and via Intersports Elverys, in store and on Elverys.ie.

Ross Byrne is far enough down the road of his professional career to dwell too long on his journey with Leinster and Ireland, especially when there is such intense competition for seats on the plane to a World Cup less than two months away.

Yet if the 28-year-old fly-half does survive the cut when head coach Andy Farrell trims his 42-man training squad down to the tournament-mandated 33 at the end of August, he will be able to look back with some pride at having fought his way back into contention.