O'Toole 'grateful' for chance to play loose-head

Prop Tom O'Toole said he wants to take the opportunity to play loose-head for Ireland "with both hands".

O'Toole plays tight-head for his club, Ulster, but played in the loose-head position when he came off the bench for Andy Farrell's side against Italy.

Despite the 27-year-old having limited experience at loose-head, injuries to Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle before the Six Nations began meant that Farrell's options for the number one shirt became more limited.

"To be honest, I am playing it just day-by-day. I'm excited to get the opportunity and to be involved in this team and this squad, that it what my main focus is," O'Toole said.

"I try don't look too far ahead and when I am back to my provincial side, I'm back to tight-head. There's been a few injuries to give me an opportunity. I am grateful and I want to take it with both hands.

"I was confident enough in the preparation I have done over the last couple of years. I have kept it as something chipping away behind the scenes and keep working at it so, to get an opportunity, I was delighted to put that training into performance."

The Ulster prop featured in the Ireland squad when they won back-to-back Six Nations in 2023 and 2024 and also travelled to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

However, competition for places in Ireland's front row has meant his involvement has not always been consistent.

"Being out of this group and then back in, I am really enjoying it and really want to enjoy each and every day with this group," O'Toole continued.

"I think it should be difficult for everybody [not being in Ireland squads]. I maybe didn't play as much as other guys but was in the group for a few years and was in the Grand Slam team and went to the World Cup.

"You spend so much time together; you become like family. I am 27 now, so I am hopefully coming into a big few years of my career."