Ego bruised but confidence untouched as Jack Conan turns to Italy

Conan dismissed the notion that Ireland having 17 players involved on the Lions tour of Australia has anything to do with poor performances this season

Jack Conan will start at number eight, his favoured position, for Ireland's Six Nations clash with Italy. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Storms are still lashing the country and black clouds hang over Ireland’s training centre out in Abbotstown as Jack Conan saunters in fresh off the pitch for a chat. No better man to counter the prevailing winds.

The Leinster back row’s default setting seems be locked in on sunny. Upbeat.