David Heffernan makes a welcome return from Irish Rugby’s Six Nations camp for Connacht’s crucial match against the Scarlets on Saturday (7.35pm ).
Anyone who has been following Connacht Rugby for a good few years will know he made his debut in the Pro12 season against the Scarlets as a blindside flanker, when he was only 21 and in academy rugby. Since then, he became a hooker, and has 155 Connacht caps .
Recently called as a cover hooker for the Irish team and training with them during the Six Nations, Heffernan was unable to add to his six Ireland caps.
“Coming in, obviously I was a bit disappointed not getting in the Irish squad initially,” he says, “but it’s a massive honour getting called in even if it’s just for an injury.”
The Connacht team has faced four consecutive losses over the past few weeks, but thanks to a short break, spirits have been raised and determination levels have risen, even with all the pressure to win. Now Heffernan is looking forward to playing his best for Connacht.
The 31-years-old says Saturday is “a massive opportunity” and he will be “putting his best foot forward”, while also hoping to show Ireland coach Andy Farrell what he can do.
He says messages he and others received from the Irish coaches after being released from the Six Nations were general, and not detailed about what to work on.
“Some of the coaches will give you more details than others, it’s different, the game plans and stuff will be different when you go back to provinces, so they’re aware that it can’t be as specific as some of the stuff you would get when you’re playing for Ireland for example.”
Heffernan is eager to get back playing for Connacht consistently, and in terms of competition in the hooker position, he recognises his competitors' strengths. He is hoping to get his hands on the ball as much as possible, as well as working hard and being solid on the set-piece.
The kick-off for Connacht v Scarlets is 7.35pm at Parc y Scarlets this Saturday.
