It has become apparent this November Ireland coach Declan Kidney doesn’t see the need for specialist cover at openside flanker behind Chris Henry. John Muldoon was shoehorned into the position against Fiji and when Jamie Heaslip was replaced late on Iain Henderson, a lock, scrummed down at openside.

Despite Shane Jennings’ consistency for Leinster during the current campaign, the 31-year-old has been overlooked yet again, with Rhys Ruddock, a number eight/blindside, called up to replace Muldoon this week.

Capped only 13 times since 2007, Jennings was asked yesterday if there had been any contact from Kidney in recent months.

“No, not at all. They picked the squad back at the start of November and that was it. He felt he was happy with the squad he picked. I got to accept it and move on . . . If they want me, if they want any player they’ll call on him. I’ve been here (Leinster) all November, working hard and trying to get picked here.”