'Wee glint of hope' he might play for Ireland again kept Stockdale going

Jacob Stockdale admitted there was a "lack of intensity" in Ireland's performance against France in the opening game of the Six Nations

Against France on Thursday, Jacob Stockdale made his first Six Nations appearance for Ireland in five years. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Jacob Stockdale admits he had thoughts of giving up on Test rugby during his five years in the Six Nations wilderness.

The Ulster wing bridged that very gap, back to March of 2021, with his presence in the line-up for the Championship opener away to France on Thursday evening.