Izuchukwu boosts Ireland prospects with treble of tries for Ulster

Tullamore native Cormac Izuchukwu scored a hat-trick of tries in Ulster's emphatic win over Exeter Chiefs at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast last Friday night.

Izuchukwu scored one try in the first half, after which the sides were tied at 17-17. But with Ulster taking command in the second period, Izuchukwu crossed for two more tries.

It was a performance that boosts Izuchukwu's hopes of being involved in Ireland's upcoming Six Nations campaign.

Having made his Ireland senior debut against Fiji in November, becoming the first man from Offaly to play rugby for Ireland at senior level, Izuchukwu was recently named in the squad for the Six Nations.

Izuchukwu can play as a lock forward or as a flanker and though there is very tough competition for places in the Ireland squad, he will be hopeful of featuring in the Six Nations for the first time.

Ireland began the defence of their Six Nations crown with a home match against England on Saturday, February 1.

Last Friday night's Investec Champions Cup game saw Ulster end their pool stage campaign with a 52-24 hammering of Exeter and it proved enough to qualify for the last 16. The northern province qualified on points difference after Bordeaux claimed a 66-12 victory against Sharks.

And it is Bordeaux who Ulster will meet in their last 16 match, which is scheduled to be played in France on Sunday, April 6.