Andrew Porter's capacity for work remains astonishing

After missing out on Lions selection four years ago due to injury, earning a spot on this summer's tour is an ambition for Ireland's laser-focused prop. 

DOING HIS JOB: "I’m not looking to pull a rabbit out of a hat, not looking to do anything shiny or spectacular," Andrew Porter said about his role on the pitch for Ireland. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Very few have reason to recall the Rainbow Cup with any affection. The tournament, cobbled together at the back end of the 2020/21 season, was a hasty Band-Aid that was never going to cover up for the real rugby lost in the course of that covid-interrupted season.

If there was one thing worse than playing games in empty stadia while having to adhere to all the social distancing rules, wearing face masks and being surrounded by a jungle of yellow safety signs, then it was playing games in a tournament no-one cared for.