IRELAND AND LEINSTER LOCK Ryan Baird wants to make up for lost time after featuring in the 20-34 win over Italy on Saturday.
Baird was named on the bench for the third game of the 2023 Six Nations and had to wait for his chance to show what he could do against Italy in Rome.
The 24-year-old replaced Ulster's Iain Henderson in the second row in the 58 minute and had a positive impact for Andy Farrell's side in the win in Rome.
Baird has played 9 times for his country since making his debut for Ireland in 2021 but has failed to dislodge the likes of James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne as Ireland's first choice locks under Andy Farrell.
However, Baird now wants to improve and show the rugby world what he can do in an Irish jersey.
"It was tough for the first two games not playing so I said when I got my chance, I’m going to f***ing take it," Baird explained.
"And I felt I played well. I knew the system. When I came on, I tried to give the boys a boost - I had fresh legs and it was just try and bring a bit of energy into the team. It was great."
🗣️ 'I said when I got my chance I was going to f*cking take it!'
Ryan Baird revealed how tough it was to have not played so far this #GuinnessSixNations, and how special it was to run out in Rome in front of his family | ☘️
🎙️ @ashoreilly@VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/45XNxDokjv— Off The Ball (@offtheball) February 26, 2023
The Dubliner also went onto to say that he had a mindset change during Champions Cup game against Top14 side Racing 92 and that it has made him look at things in a different way.
"I’ve found out things about myself this season, which has been great,"
"The mentality behind playing, what it takes to turn up every week and come out high performing at a consistent level. And that’s my objective - that bar you’re always trying to aim for.
"I was itching to get a go in this tournament, to stay positive, to use training for these moments.
“It’s more you find out how you need to respond. Particularly against Racing, I got a big hit in the first half, got a dead leg.
"I said to myself, 'I either quit now or I just keep playing...you’ve just got to dig in'.
"That’s when I decided I had to go on. That’s what you learn. Just play for the team, do all the dirty work because that is 99% of the game - not the flash stuff, 99% of the graft. I had to dig deep and do that."
Ireland's next game will be against Scotland in Edinburgh on March 12.
The United Rugby Championship returns this weekend.
See More: Ireland, Ryan Baird, Six Nations
